I remember the 2010 Federation Cup. East Bengal FC under Coach Trevor Morgan started a new Journey at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, Odisha winning the Federation Cup. That trophy was special to us as the Red & Gold Brigade was struggling for past few seasons.
The Story is same now. East Bengal FC was struggling for last few seasons. However, under Carles Cuadrat, East Bengal FC again made a comeback at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar by winning 2024 Indian Super Cup.
The Red & Gold Brigade’s last won a national title, Federation cup in 2012 defeating Dempo SC 3-2.
The long wait of a national title for 12 years is finally over. However, it was not at all an easy task for Carles Cuadrat and his boys. But they overcame every hurdles to bring back the joy is Red & Gold Brigade Camp.
East Bengal FC defeated host and defending Champions Odisha FC 3-2 in extra time. In regulation time the match ended at 2-2.
Diego Mauricio gave Odisha FC the lead in 39′, Nandha Kumar equalized in 51′, Saul Crespo gave East Bengal the lead in 62′ while Ahmed Jahouh equalized in 90+9′ for Odisha FC. However, skipper Cleiton Silva scored the winning goal in 110′ for East Bengal FC.
With this win, East Bengal FC will be playing in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League 2 Qualifying play-off. This will be their 16th continental appearance. East Bengal FC had appeared twice in the Asian Club Championship, 5 times in the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup and 8 times in the AFC Cup.
East Bengal:
Prabhsukhan Gill, Nishu Kumar, Hijazi Maher, Md Rakip, Jose Pardo, Souvik Chakrabarti, Borja Herrera, Saul Crespo, Cleiton Silva, Nandha Sekar, Javier Siverio
Odisha FC:
Lalthuammawia Ralte, Ajey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado, Mourtada Fall, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Lalthathanga, Ahmed Jahouh, Isaka Ralte, Diego Mauricio, Cy Goddard, Roy Krishna
Picture Courtesy: Social Media
