Kolkata, Aug 23 (IANS) Edmund Lalrindika struck a hat-trick as East Bengal FC produced a sensational performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday, lifting the historic trophy for the 17th time.

The victory also saw East Bengal draw level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles.

Mohun Bagan started the final with greater control of the tempo, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco looking to create openings for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. But East Bengal struck with devastating efficiency, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to take control of the contest.

In the 10th minute, East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid produced a wonderful through ball to release Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin made no mistake, finishing brilliantly towards the far post to put the Red and Gold Brigade ahead.

Two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a superb strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 2-0.

Mohun Bagan tried to respond, with Liston Colaco seeing his cross cleared by the East Bengal defence before a foul on him outside the box presented another opportunity. Colaco's free-kick appeared destined for the target, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an excellent save to parry it away.

East Bengal were defending deep but remained dangerous whenever they won possession, and their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute.

It was another outstanding team move. Edmund started the move in the centre before the ball was worked towards the left and into the path of Hardik Bhatt. The right-back delivered towards Daniel Ramírez, who then played it into the centre. Edmund continued his run, collected the ball and showed brilliant skill to get past the goalkeeper and defender before calmly finishing into the near post.

Mohun Bagan were suddenly 3-0 down, but they continued to push forward. Anirudh Thapa found Jamie Maclaren with a good ball in the 30th minute, although the Australian's effort from distance went wide.

The Mariners finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia played a wonderful through ball from midfield to Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir raced into the box before cutting inside and producing a superb finish towards the far post to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Manvir remained a threat, making another dangerous run down the left in the 37th minute before laying the ball off for Maclaren, but the forward could not find the finish.

East Bengal continued to absorb pressure, with Gill showing his confidence as a sweeper-keeper with another timely clearance in the 39th minute.

Just when Mohun Bagan appeared to be gaining momentum, East Bengal struck again before half-time.

In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid delivered a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta tapped it to redirect it across the face of goal, and Edmund was perfectly placed to finish from close range. The goal completed his hat-trick and restored East Bengal's three-goal advantage. At half-time, East Bengal led 4-1.

Mohun Bagan made changes and continued to attack after the restart, but East Bengal's defence remained organised, and the margin remained the same despite efforts from both sides.

The final whistle confirmed a memorable 4-1 victory for East Bengal FC, who were crowned champions of the 135th Durand Cup.

Individual awards:

Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)

Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)

All the award winners were also presented with a ₹3 lakh cheque, while the Golden Ball winner also received the key to an SUV.

--IANS

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