East Bengal vs Odisha FC: Red and Gold Brigade win Kalinga Super Cup, beat Odisha FC 3-2 to end Trophyless run

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East Bengal have ended their 12-year-long trophyless run with winning in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 as they beat Odisha FC 3-2 in the Final on Sunday (January 28).

The Red and Gold brigade scripted a stellar victory in enemy territory and have their hands on the trophy after a dozen years.

The tension was palpable as Diego Mauricio propelled Odisha FC ahead with the opening goal in the 39th minute, putting pressure on the Red and Gold Brigade. However, the second half saw a revitalized East Bengal, with Nandhakumar Sekar restoring parity early on. The pivotal moment arrived when Saul Crespo converted a penalty, swinging the momentum in favour of East Bengal.

The drama intensified when both teams suffered setbacks, with Mourtada Fall of Odisha FC receiving his marching orders after being shown the second yellow card. The dismissal did little to dampen the spirits as the match continued with high-octane energy.

Just when the match seemed to be heading towards a stalemate, Ahmed Jahouh rekindled Odisha FC's hopes in extra time. Nonetheless, it was East Bengal's captain Cleiton Silva who emerged as the hero, etching his name in the annals of the club's history with a decisive goal in the 111th minute, ensuring a 3-2 victory for his team.

The ecstatic scenes that followed the final whistle bore testament to the significance of this win for East Bengal, a club with a rich legacy and a massive fan base. The Kolkata giants now have Asian football on the fray as they will be taking part in the AFC Cup next season.