East Bengal End 22-Year Wait, Beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in Historic Kolkata Derby
Screen N Stagez by AG
Kolkata, August 24: History repeated itself in the Kolkata Derby after 29 years. East Bengal FC defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium on August 23, bringing back memories of the iconic 4-1 victory of 1997.
The hero this time was Edmund Lalrindika, who produced a sensational first-half hat-trick as East Bengal secured a memorable Durand Cup triumph and ended their 22-year wait for the prestigious trophy.
The victory also took East Bengal’s Durand Cup tally to 17 titles, equalling the competition’s all-time record.
Bipin Opens the Floodgates
East Bengal made a dream start to the final. Bipin Singh opened the scoring in the 9th minute, giving the Red and Gold a crucial early advantage.
Just two minutes later, Edmund Lalrindika doubled the lead. The East Bengal forward struck again in the 22nd minute, beating the Mohun Bagan defence and goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to put his team firmly in control.
Mohun Bagan, however, refused to surrender. Manvir Singh pulled one back in the 32nd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
But those hopes were short-lived.
Just before half-time, Edmund completed his hat-trick. In the 44th minute, he converted a delivery from Jay Gupta to make it 4-1 and effectively put the final beyond Mohun Bagan’s reach.
East Bengal went into the break with a commanding three-goal advantage.
Mohun Bagan Push, But East Bengal Hold Firm
Mohun Bagan dominated possession for significant periods after the restart and introduced attacking options including Sahal Abdul Samad and Kiyan Nassiri in an attempt to reduce the deficit.
But East Bengal’s defence remained disciplined and organised. The Green and Maroon attack struggled to find a way through, while East Bengal threatened repeatedly on the counter.
The final whistle confirmed a stunning 4-1 victory for the Red and Gold.
1997 Memories Come Alive Again
For Kolkata football fans, a 4-1 Derby scoreline immediately brings back memories of July 13, 1997.
That day, East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the Federation Cup semi-final at the Salt Lake Stadium in front of a massive crowd. Nazimul Haque opened the scoring before three goals from Bhaichung Bhutia turned him into a legendary figure in the history of the Kolkata Derby.
The match was also remembered for the tactical battle between Mohun Bagan coach Amal Dutta’s famous ‘Diamond System’ and the approach of East Bengal coach P.K. Banerjee.
Twenty-nine years later, another East Bengal side produced the same scoreline against the same opponent at the same iconic venue.
Only the hero was different.
In 1997, it was Bhaichung Bhutia—the legendary ‘Mountain Bichhu’. In 2026, Edmund Lalrindika wrote his own chapter in Derby folklore.
22 Years of Waiting Finally End
For East Bengal, this was much more than another Derby victory.
It brought an end to a 22-year wait for the Durand Cup trophy and added another major chapter to the club’s illustrious history. With their 17th Durand Cup title, East Bengal have now equalled the tournament’s record for most championships.
The Durand Cup itself carries a legacy stretching back to 1888, when the tournament was first organised in Shimla. Initially established for British Indian Army troops, the competition gradually evolved into one of India’s most prestigious football tournaments.
Its association with Kolkata and the football-loving regions of eastern and northeastern India has further strengthened its place in the country’s football culture.
More Than Football—A Legacy of Identity and Emotion
Football in Kolkata has never been merely a sport. The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan represents generations of memories, emotions, identities and stories passed down through families.
The 4-1 scoreline of 1997 remained etched in the memories of East Bengal supporters for nearly three decades. On August 23, 2026, Edmund Lalrindika and his teammates created another unforgettable chapter.
The faces have changed. The generation has changed. But the passion remains the same.
Homes, addresses and possessions may be taken away, but identity and the determination to fight with one’s head held high cannot be erased. History written in blood and emotion survives generations—and has no barbed wire.
On a historic night at Salt Lake Stadium, East Bengal proved it once again.
East Bengal 4-1 Mohun Bagan.
Twenty-nine years after Bhaichung Bhutia, Edmund Lalrindika becomes the new hero of a historic Kolkata Derby.