Emami East Bengal began their campaign in the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over the Indian Air Force Football Team (IAFFT) in a Group A match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). Despite the Airmen taking an early lead in the 19th minute through Somananda Singh, East Bengal responded with goals from David Lalhlansanga, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Saul Crespo, securing a comfortable win and topping the group standings ahead of arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat fielded a strong starting eleven, featuring new signings Madih Talal, Jeakson Singh, David Lalhlansanga, and Mark Zothanpuia, alongside stars like Naorem Mahesh Singh, Hijazi Maher, and Saul Crespo. On the other hand, Indian Air Force Head Coach Priya Darshan opted for a youthful lineup, keeping experienced players Arashpreet Singh and Vivek Kumar on the bench.
David Lalhlansanga nearly opened the scoring for the hosts from a Mahesh free kick, but his header hit the post. He came close again in the sixth minute, only to be denied by goalkeeper Shubajit Basu in a one-on-one situation. Despite East Bengal’s dominance in the first quarter, the Air Force defence held firm.
Against the run of play, IAF took the lead in the 19th minute when Somananda Singh’s powerful header from Saurav Sadhukhan’s cross beat Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. The Airmen then focused on defence, making it difficult for East Bengal to create clear chances, as evidenced by their 15 attempts in the first half.
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East Bengal equalised in the 43rd minute when Madih Talal’s chipped ball found David Lalhlansanga, who fended off a defender and chipped the goalkeeper to score.
In the second half, Carles Cuadrat brought on Dimitrios Diamantakos and Vishnu P.V, replacing David Lalhlansanga and Naorem Mahesh Singh. These substitutions paid off as East Bengal increased their tempo and looked threatening with each attack.
They took the lead in the 61st minute with a strong header from Diamantakos, following a beautiful cross from Mark Zothanpuia, set up by Madih Talal. Seven minutes later, East Bengal extended their lead when Diamantakos found Saul Crespo, who spun away from his marker and scored with a right-footed shot.
East Bengal comfortably saw out the rest of the match, missing a couple of chances in the dying minutes.
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