East Bengal thrashes Coal India 7-0, finishes second in Calcutta Football League

East Bengal’s Mohamed Bilal celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the Calcutta Football League match against Coal India. | Photo Credit: East Bengal/X

East Bengal ended its Calcutta Football League campaign on a high, thrashing Coal India 7-0 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Saturday.

However, the win was not enough to hand the title to the reigning Indian Super League and Durand Cup champion, which finished second in the standings, two points behind winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The Mariners beat Mohammedan SC 3-2 to secure its 31st CFL title, inching it close to East Bengal’s record of 41.

The Red and Gold Brigade, which fielded a reserve side in the tournament, was quick off the block, taking a two-goal lead in 10 minutes, thanks to strikes from Mohamed Bilal and Bijay Murmu.

AS IT HAPPENED | COAL INDIA VS EAST BENGAL HIGHLIGHTS, CALCUTTA FOOTBALL LEAGUE

East Bengal kept its foot on the pedal and would have grabbed several more in the first half, if not for the efforts of Coal India goalkeeper Sanjoy Kumar Bhattacharyya.

East Bengal came out more motivated in the second half and extended its lead in the 53rd minute after Aaksh Hemram latched onto a through ball from Jay Baz. Seven minutes later, Akash turned provider as he raced down the left wing before laying the ball off for an easy finish to Bijay.

The fifth came in the 66th minute from Tanmay Das, who made no mistake from the spot after Coal India was penalised for handball inside the box.

The remaining two strikes came in added time, with East Bengal capitalising on sloppy defending, which allowed substitute Uttam Hansda to get on the scoresheet and Hemram to complete a brace.