East Bengal FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat South United FC by 5-0 in their final Group A fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday, 7 August. Goals from Dani Ramírez, Mohamad Basim Rashid, Hardik Bhatt, Th. Bipin Singh, and David Lalhlansanga sealed a result that keeps the Red and Gold Brigade firmly in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

Standings and Qualification Picture

The victory lifts East Bengal FC to six points from three Group A outings, with a goal difference of +11. That places them in a strong position to advance as one of the tournament's best second-placed sides. South United FC, meanwhile, exit the competition after concluding their group campaign without a win, though they showed resilience throughout.

First Half: Ramírez Sets the Tone

East Bengal took the lead as early as the 6th minute through a moment of individual quality. Dani Ramírez received the ball from captain Mohamad Basim Rashid, shifted onto his stronger foot, and curled a stunning long-range strike into the top far corner — goalkeeper Sunil Singh had no chance. The Spaniard was at the heart of everything, combining with Jeakson Singh and Jesin T.K. Thonikkara through midfield while wingers Edmund Lalrindika and P.V. Vishnu stretched the South United defensive shape.

The second goal came in the 24th minute from a set-piece. Ramírez's corner from the right was flicked on by Jesin at the near post, and Basim Rashid powered a header home at the far post. East Bengal went into the break 2-0 ahead, having registered 21 shots — six on target — and controlled 84 per cent of possession. South United managed no attempts in the first half.

Second Half: Red and Gold Pile On

South United showed fleeting ambition after the restart. Makakmayum Daniyal attempted an audacious effort from near the halfway line in the 54th minute after spotting goalkeeper Gourab Shaw off his line, but the ball curled wide. Minutes later, Daniyal met a cross from Mustafa Shaikh and cleverly lifted the ball over Shaw, only to narrowly fail to direct it on target — the closest South United came to breaching the East Bengal goal.

The third goal arrived in the 73rd minute through an unlikely source. Defender Hardik Bhatt unleashed a low drive from distance that appeared covered, but the ball's late movement wrong-footed Sunil Singh and crept into the net. Substitute Th. Bipin Singh then headed home a Christopher James cross in the 81st minute to make it four. David Lalhlansanga completed the rout with virtually the last kick of the match, slamming a left-footed finish into the roof of the net for 5-0.

What's Next

East Bengal FC now await the conclusion of other Group A results to learn whether their six-point tally and superior goal difference are sufficient for a quarterfinal place as one of the best second-placed teams. The tournament continues on Saturday with Shillong Lajong FC hosting Mumbay FC in Group E at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong at 4:00 PM, followed by NorthEast United FC taking on Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in Group F at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati at 7:00 PM.