East Bengal vs Indian Air Force Highlights, Durand Cup 2025: EBFC 6-1 IAFT (Full-Time) | Hamid, Bipin, Anwar, Rashid, Saul, David On Target For EB

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East Bengal vs Indian Air Force, Durand Cup 2025, AS IT HAPPENED: East Bengal FC stormed into the quarter-finals as group winners after thrashing Indian Air Force FT 6-1 in Kolkata. Hamid Ahadad (6') and Bipin Singh (25') put EB in control before Aman's header (35') gave IAFT brief hope.

After the break, Anwar Ali (63') and Mohammad Rashid (67') killed the contest, with late goals from Saul Crespo (85') and David (90+4') completing the rout. EB dominated from start to finish with 25 shots, 16 on target, and now head into the knockouts brimming with confidence.

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With qualification secured, head coach Oscar Bruzon is likely to use this tie to fine-tune his side's tactics and test the depth of his squad. Expect to see some fresh and younger faces on the pitch as the team experiments with combinations, assessing who can step up when the stakes are high. The match offers a low-risk environment for East Bengal to try new ideas while keeping their momentum intact.

The club made several notable additions to their roster before the tournament, and this game provides the ideal scenario to integrate those signings in competitive conditions. For Bruzon, it's less about the result and more about sharpening his team's readiness for the knockout battles, where the margin for error is minimal.

For Indian Air Force FT, the picture is quite different. Having been knocked out of the tournament, they enter this clash with nothing tangible to fight for - except pride. But for a side with armed forces discipline and spirit, that is often motivation enough to deliver a spirited performance. They announced themselves in style with a high-scoring opener against South United, a six-goal thriller that showcased both attacking flair and defensive vulnerability.

Unfortunately for IAFT, their defensive frailties persisted, costing them dearly in the second match against Namdhari and sealing their early exit. Still, with the pressure off, they might play with greater freedom, making them a potentially tricky opponent for East Bengal.

While the outcome won't affect the group standings, the contest promises intrigue - for East Bengal, a chance to polish their armour before the quarter-finals; for Indian Air Force FT, an opportunity to finish on a high and show they can challenge even the in-form favourites.