East Bengal's Record In Kalinga Super Cup: All You Need To Know Ahead Of 2025 Edition

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East Bengal FC's journey in the Kalinga Super Cup has been marked by determination and resurgence, culminating in their triumphant 2024 campaign.​

The club's inaugural appearance in the tournament's final came in 2018, where they faced Bengaluru FC. Despite a valiant effort, East Bengal fell short, losing 4-1 to the Blues at the Kalinga Stadium. ​

In 2019, EB didn't participate as a protest to the unfair treatment towards I-League clubs. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, the Kalinga Super Cup returned in 2023 with a revamped format. In the 2023 edition, the Red & Gold Brigade bowed out in the group stages following three consecutive draws.

East Bengal seized this opportunity to reestablish themselves on the national stage in 2024. They were placed in Group A alongside Mohun Bagan, Hyderabad FC, and Sreenidi Deccan. They commenced their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hyderabad FC, followed by a 2-1 win against Sreenidi Deccan. The group stage concluded with a commanding 3-1 triumph over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, ensuring the Bangal Brigade's progression to the semi-finals as group leaders. ​

In the semi-finals, East Bengal faced Jamshedpur FC and secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Hijazi Maher and Javier Siverio. This win propelled them into the final, where they faced defending champions Odisha FC. In a pulsating encounter that extended into extra time, East Bengal emerged victorious with a 3-2 score-line, clinching their first national title in 12 years. ​

The triumph not only ended a decade-long trophy drought but also earned East Bengal a spot in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage, marking their return to continental competition after a nine-year absence. ​

All-Time Top Scorer In Super Cup

Cleiton Silva is the all-time highest goal-scorer in the Super Cup for East Bengal with 5 goals. Next to him is Naorem Mahesh Singh, who has three goals to his name.

East Bengal FC: 2024-25 Season Summary

• Durand Cup 2024: Began with two wins but failed to progress further after losing to Shillong Lajong in the Quarters.

• ISL 2024-25: Suffered six consecutive losses, leading to head coach Carles Cuadrat's resignation. Oscar Bruzón took charge and oversaw some improvement, including a 4-2 comeback win over Punjab FC. They ended their season by finishing 9th in the league, failing to qualify for the play-offs.

• AFC Challenge League: After missing ACL Two qualifiers, East Bengal topped their group and reached the quarter-finals, eventually losing to FC Arkadag.

As East Bengal prepare for the 2025 edition of the Kalinga Super Cup, they would be looking to shrug off their past failures and with the aspirations of their fervent fanbase will aim to build upon their storied legacy in Indian football and retain the crown.