East Bengal FC produced a sensational attacking display on Friday, thrashing CISF Protectors 8-0 in their Group A encounter of the Durand Cup 2026 at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata.
The emphatic victory marked East Bengal’s first win of the tournament and provided the perfect response to their 0-1 defeat against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their opening fixture.
P.V. Vishnu was the standout performer of the evening, scoring a magnificent hat-trick, while Jesin T.K. scored twice. Jeakson Singh and substitute Bipin Singh also found the net, while CISF defender Mohammad Khalid scored an own goal as East Bengal completed a comprehensive rout.
East Bengal opened the scoring through P.V. Vishnu in the 37′, before an own goal from Mohammad Khalid doubled the advantage in the 42′.
Captain Jeakson Singh added a third in first-half stoppage time, with East Bengal heading into the break firmly in control.
Vishnu struck again just after the restart in the 46′ to complete his brace. Substitute Bipin Singh then made it 5-0 in the 64′.
The final stages turned into a goal fest. Jesin T.K. scored in the 70′ and 74′ to register a brace, before Vishnu completed his hat-trick in the 76′.
East Bengal FC Starting XI
Phurba Lachenpa, Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Hardik Bhatt, Jeakson Singh, Dani Ramirez, Mohammad Rashid, P.V. Vishnu, Edmund Lalrindika, Jesin T.K.
Picture Courtesy: Durand Cup Media
