East Bengal vs Hyderabad FC Match Result, Kalinga Super Cup 2024: Saul Crespo, Cleiton Silva Star In Goal Fest

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East Bengal vs Hyderabad FC Match Result: Kalinga Super Cup 2024 kicked off with a goal fest as Kolkata Giants triumph 3-2 over the Nizams in Group A at the Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1 in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday (January 9).

Saul Crespo scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of the match, which came a minute after Nim Dorjee levelled the scoreline from the spot for Hyderabad FC. Cleiton Silva (33', 54') repeated his feat of a brace against Hyderabad FC, including another stunning goal from a freekick.

The opening East Bengal goal came against the run of play by the Brazilian, who made an acrobatic effort to tap in a cross by right-back Mohammad Rakip. Hyderabad FC, who named an all-India playing 11 for the game with coach Thangboi Singto using his fringe players for the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, responded right before halftime (45th minute) through Ramhlunchhunga.

The former Aizawl FC forward placed a first-time shot into the bottom corner past Prabhsukhan Gill following a penetrative run by Lalchhanhima Sailo from the right side. Cleiton Silva quickly responded in the second half as he converted a freekick from 30-odd yards nine minutes after the break.

Hyderabad FC, who dominated most of the first half, couldn't be the same force in the second half with East Bengal bringing all their six foreign players on the ground. However, Makan Chothe's threatening run into the box from the left led to a foul on Ramhlunchhunga by Hijazi Maher in the 78th minute.

Nim Dorjee converted the penalty successfully to trigger the celebration but it was short-lived with Crespo responding with a free-header setup by Borja Herrera from a corner. East Bengal, who collected all three points, will face Sreenidi Deccan next on January 14 before Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on January 19.

Mohun Bagan will kick off their Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign in the same group later today against I-League sides Sreenidi.