East Bengal Clinches Kalinga Super Cup in Thrilling Final

Kolkata heavyweights, East Bengal, emerged as champions of the thrilling Kalinga Super Cup 2024 final, defeating Odisha FC 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter. The match, held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, saw both teams having multiple opportunities to score, resulting in a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time and the first half of extra-time.

The clash lived up to its expectations, with four goals scored in regulation time, two red cards shown, and the winning goal coming from East Bengal skipper Cleiton Silva in the 110th minute.

The match began on an attacking note as Carles Cuadrat‘s East Bengal launched relentless attacks from both flanks. However, the first scoring chance of the match came for the hosts when Roy Krishna’s counter-attack resulted in a missed opportunity for Diego Mauricio.

Lalthuammawia Ralte, the East Bengal goalkeeper, made two consecutive brilliant saves in the 32nd minute, denying a free-kick from Jose Antonio Lucas and a header from Siverio after a Cleiton set piece.

Mauricio finally found the back of the net with a fine finish from a set piece taken by Jahouh. The Brazilian striker received a pass from Krishna inside the box and managed to score despite a weak first touch, giving Odisha FC the lead.

East Bengal began the second half with confidence and quickly equalized in the 51st minute when Naorem Mahesh Singh delivered a perfect cross to Nandha Kumar, who executed it brilliantly into the Odisha goal.

As East Bengal continued to make inroads and threaten the Odisha defense, the hosts tried to slow down the game to regain control. However, this strategy resulted in a couple of errors from the Odisha backline, led by Mourtada Fall.

A penalty was awarded to East Bengal in the 60th minute after Fall’s tackle on Crespo inside the box. Despite replays showing no contact between the players, Crespo confidently converted the spot kick to give East Bengal the lead.

Odisha’s hopes of defending their title were dealt a blow when Fall was shown a second yellow card for an aerial collision with Crespo in the 66th minute.

The depleted Odisha side continued to push forward, knowing that another defensive lapse could cost them the game. Their optimism was evident when Amay Ranawade hit the woodwork in the 80th minute.

In the seventh minute of injury time, Odisha FC equalized through a penalty. A foul by Prabhsukhan Gill on Mauricio led to Jahouh successfully executing a panenka to level the score.

The match went into extra time, where Souvik Chakrabarti was sent off in the 97th minute, adding to the drama.

With the game hanging in the balance, East Bengal capitalized on a mistake by Lalthuammawia Ralte, who sent the ball across the box, allowing East Bengal to pounce on the loose ball and secure a historic victory.

After 12 long years, East Bengal lifted the Kalinga Super Cup, bringing an end to their trophy drought. The thrilling final showcased the determination and resilience of both teams.

The Red-and-Gold cabinet now proudly holds the coveted trophy after a hard-fought battle at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

East Bengal’s captain, Cleiton Silva, emerged as the hero of the match, scoring the decisive goal that secured their victory.

The Kalinga Super Cup 2024 final will be remembered for its electrifying atmosphere and the relentless fighting spirit displayed by both East Bengal and Odisha FC.

East Bengal’s triumph marks a significant milestone for the club and sets the stage for a promising future under the guidance of Carles Cuadrat.

With this victory, East Bengal has once again proven its dominance in Indian football, bringing joy to its loyal fans and supporters.

Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.