East Bengal has broken a 12-year trophy drought, securing their first silverware in as many years by defeating Odisha FC 3-2 in an intense final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar during the Kalinga Super Cup on Sunday.
The thrilling match witnessed a fluctuating fortune for both teams over 120 minutes, leading to a dramatic finish. Despite both teams experiencing moments with 10 players on the field, their resilience and determination remained commendable. While East Bengal emerged victorious, Odisha FC's unwavering spirit in the face of adversity left a lasting impression.
East Bengal's last major national title came in 2012 at the Federation Cup, where they triumphed over Dempo SC with a 3-2 scoreline after extra time at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri.
The game against Odisha featured a dynamic first half, with Diego Mauricio putting Odisha in the lead. However, East Bengal turned the tide with Nandha Kumar's strike and Saul Crespo's penalty, aided by Odisha's Mourtada Fall receiving a second yellow card. Despite Ahmed Jahouh's injury-time penalty for Odisha, East Bengal's Souvik Chakrabarti saw a red card in extra time. Nevertheless, Cleiton Silva secured the victory by capitalizing on a defensive error.
While football emphasizes teamwork, the Kalinga Super Cup spotlighted the pivotal role of Ahmed Jahouh for Odisha FC. East Bengal's strategy, awareness, and the exceptional performance of Souvik Chakrabarti, tasked with marking Jahouh, were key elements in their success.
The opening goal by Diego Mauricio from Jahouh's precise delivery showcased Odisha's prowess, but East Bengal's comeback was ignited by strategic changes. Lal Chungnunga and Mahesh Naorem's inclusion provided a new attacking dimension, with Mahesh's width allowing Nandha Kumar to make impactful plays.
The second half saw Mahesh's assist leading to Nandha Kumar's equalizer, shifting momentum in East Bengal's favor. A well-deserved penalty, converted by Saul Crespo, and Mourtada Fall's second booking further tilted the game in East Bengal's favor.
Despite Odisha's spirited effort and Mauricio's injury-time goal, East Bengal remained resilient. In extra time, Cleiton capitalized on a defensive lapse to secure the victory.
The match showcased the determination of both teams, with Odisha fighting till the end despite being reduced to 10 men. The game's extra time brought its own drama, with Souvik Chakrabarti's red card leveling the playing field. East Bengal's desire and Cleiton's goal ultimately secured their long-awaited triumph, marking a historic moment in their football journey.
(With Agency Inputs)
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