Rahul Giri in Goa
East Bengal began their Super Cup 2025 campaign in Goa on a disappointing note, being held to a 2-2 draw by local club Dempo SC in a Group A clash at the Bambolim Stadium. Later in the evening, Mohun Bagan registered a comfortable win over Chennaiyin FC in a rain-soaked encounter at the Fatorda Stadium.
Despite fielding all six of their foreign players, East Bengal failed to overcome a spirited Dempo side that played with an all-Indian squad. Dempo were late entrants in the competition, replacing Real Kashmir FC, who withdrew due to internal issues.
There was no post-match press conference following East Bengal’s game. However, sources revealed that FC Goa had conducted a training session at the Bambolim Stadium earlier in the day, the same venue used later for the East Bengal vs Dempo match. This raised questions about the AIFF’s organisation and venue management, with concerns over allowing training sessions at a ground scheduled to host an official fixture on the same day.
East Bengal’s underwhelming performance did not go unnoticed. Mohamed Ali gave Dempo a first-half lead after capitalising on a goalkeeping error from Debjit Majumder. After the break, Naorem Mahesh Singh restored parity in the 46th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound from Hamid Ahadad’s long-range effort. Miguel Ferreira then put East Bengal ahead in the 57th minute with a superb strike. But just as victory seemed certain, Laximanrao Rane struck in the 89th minute to earn Dempo a dramatic draw and deny East Bengal all three points.
It was the first meeting between these two historic clubs in over a decade — their last encounter was during the 2015 I-League, which East Bengal had won. The defending Super Cup champions (2024) and IFA Shield runners-up came into the match as heavy favourites, but Dempo — unbeaten in this season’s Goa Pro League— made the most of home conditions to script an impressive result.
East Bengal could have gone ahead early when Hiroshi Ibusuki hit the crossbar, but Dempo’s resilience and disciplined defending earned them a deserved point.
Maclaren Brace Helps Mohun Bagan Cruise Past Chennaiyin
Later in the day, Jamie Maclaren starred for Mohun Bagan as they defeated Chennaiyin FC, who fielded an all-Indian lineup. Head coach Jose Molina named only three foreigners — Alberto Rodríguez, Tom Aldred, and Maclaren — in the starting eleven.
Maclaren opened the scoring before halftime. A quick attack saw Liston Colaco hold off Laldinliana Renthlei and slip the ball to Maclaren on the overlap. The Australian forward outpaced Laldinpuia and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz to give Bagan the lead.
He doubled the advantage just after the hour mark. Subhasish Bose launched a long pass towards Manvir Singh on the left flank, who delivered a precise cross for Maclaren to convert — sealing both his brace and Bagan’s victory.
Despite the heavy downpour in the first half, Vishal Kaith stood firm between the sticks, making two crucial saves to keep Chennaiyin at bay. Mohun Bagan maintained control for most of the contest, showcasing composure and tactical discipline even in challenging weather conditions.
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