East Bengal Win CFL Derby Thriller Against MBSG at Kalyani

A packed Kalyani Stadium saw one of the most thrilling Kolkata derbies of recent times as East Bengal pipped Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-2 in the Calcutta Football League on 26 July. More than 10,000 fans, with their respective galleries thundering in Red & Gold and Green & Maroon, brought back the intense old-school derby passion. East Bengal took the lead in the 9th minute courtesy Jesin TK, who coolly took a rebound. Early jitters troubled MBSG goalkeeper Deepprobhat. Sayan Banerjee finished a brilliant one-two with Edmund just before halftime to double East Bengal’s lead.

Mohun Bagan Fight Back but East Bengal Strike Again

Mohun Bagan began the second half with renewed passion. In the 54th minute, Leewan replied from a well-struck corner, and 12 minutes afterwards, Kiyan Nassiri calmly slotted the equaliser in to make it 2-2, setting the match alight. East Bengal, though, replied immediately, two minutes afterwards, David Lalhlansanga headed in a pinpoint cross to put East Bengal ahead once more. His spirited dance, brandishing his jersey aloft, brought the East Bengal supporters to raptures and left the Mohun Bagan camp agog.

Despite East Bengal’s own missed opportunities ,such as a sitter for David in the 82nd minute Mohun Bagan were unable to make the most. In stoppage time, Suhail Bhat got a half-volley wrong and East Bengal’s Aman CK was given his marching orders in the 97th minute for his second yellow, piling on the pressure to the final minutes. But East Bengal’s defense held firm, and the final whistle signified a thrilling 3-2 win for them.

By this victory, East Bengal not only gained bragging rights but also huge momentum in the CFL season. The derby had it all—goals, drama, a red card, a crazy crowd, and a good dose of heartbreaks and heroics. With fans pouring out of the stadium shouting and cheering, it was evident—Kolkata football is alive, kicking, and magical.