ISL 2024-25: East Bengal Clinch Historic Kolkata Derby Win Over Mohammedan SC, Mahesh Singh, David Lalhlansanga star in win

Add as a preferred source on Google

ISL 2024-25: East Bengal FC etched their name in Indian Super League history with a commanding 3-1 victory over Mohammedan SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, marking their first-ever triumph in an ISL Kolkata Derby.

Despite having just 42.2% possession, East Bengal displayed ruthless efficiency in front of goal, converting three of their six shots on target to secure all three points. Naorem Mahesh Singh (27'), Saul Crespo (65'), David Lalhlansanga (89') scored for the winners while Franca scored a consolation goal for the other side (68').

The game began with high intensity, as East Bengal's Vishnu Puthiya fired an early warning shot in the fifth minute, latching onto a pass from Raphael Messi Bouli. However, his effort sailed over the bar. Mohammedan SC responded swiftly, with Franca coming close in the eighth minute after a slick combination with Joe Zoherliana, but his shot narrowly missed the target.

East Bengal continued to push forward, and Messi Bouli's pinpoint cross in the 15th minute found Dimitrios Diamantakos unmarked in the box, but the striker failed to direct his shot on target. However, persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Puthiya set up Naorem Mahesh Singh, who expertly curled his left-footed shot into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.

Mohammedan SC came out with renewed urgency after the break, with Marc Schmerbock delivering a precise pass to Franca in the 46th minute. However, East Bengal's defensive line remained resolute, quickly regaining their shape to deny an equalizer.

Sensing the need for fresh legs, East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon introduced Saul Crespo for Nandhakumar Sekar in the 61st minute. The move proved decisive, as Crespo found the net just four minutes later. Messi Bouli spotted the midfielder in space, and Crespo calmly slotted home to extend East Bengal's lead to 2-0.

Mohammedan SC pressed forward in desperation, and their efforts bore fruit in the 68th minute. A slick passing move, orchestrated by Robi Hansda, saw Franca finish clinically into the bottom corner, halving the deficit.

However, East Bengal had the final say. In the 89th minute, Provat Lakra delivered a well-timed pass to David Lalhlansanga, who sealed the win with a composed left-footed finish into the bottom left corner.East Bengal will face Punjab FC on February 22, while Mohammedan SC aim to bounce back against Jamshedpur FC on February 20.