East Bengal End CFL Campaign on a High with 7-0 Rout of Coal India

East Bengal signed off its Calcutta Football League (CFL) campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Coal India 7-0 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Saturday. Despite the commanding victory, the result was not enough to secure the title, with the Red and Gold Brigade finishing runners-up, two points behind champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Mohun Bagan sealed its 31st CFL title after defeating Mohammedan SC 3-2, moving closer to East Bengal’s competition record of 41 championships.

East Bengal, which largely relied on a reserve side during the tournament, showed its attacking intent from the opening whistle. Mohamed Bilal broke the deadlock before Bijay Murmu doubled the advantage within the first 10 minutes.

The hosts continued to dominate and created several opportunities to extend their lead before half-time. Coal India goalkeeper Sanjoy Kumar Bhattacharyya, however, produced a series of impressive saves to prevent the deficit from becoming even larger.

East Bengal returned for the second half with renewed purpose and added a third goal in the 53rd minute. Aaksh Hemram found the back of the net after latching on to a well-weighted through ball from Jay Baz.

Seven minutes later, Hemram turned provider. After making a determined run down the left flank, he picked out Bijay Murmu, who made no mistake from close range to score his second of the afternoon and East Bengal’s fourth.

The fifth goal arrived in the 66th minute. Coal India’s defensive troubles continued when the ball struck a hand inside the penalty area, giving East Bengal a spot-kick. Tanmay Das stepped up and calmly converted from 12 yards.

With the result effectively beyond doubt, East Bengal continued to push forward in search of more goals. The pressure paid off twice in stoppage time. Substitute Uttam Hansda capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 6-0 before Aaksh Hemram completed his brace to round off a memorable 7-0 victory.

The result brought a convincing end to East Bengal’s CFL campaign. While the club missed out on the title, its reserve squad’s strong showing and the emphatic final-day victory provided a positive conclusion to the tournament.

East Bengal 7-0 Coal India
Goals: Mohamed Bilal, Bijay Murmu (2), Aaksh Hemram (2), Tanmay Das (pen), Uttam Hansda.