East Bengal FC vs CISF Protectors FT Preview - Team news, lineups | Durand Cup 2026

East Bengal FC look to bounce back against CISF

East Bengal will lock horns for the first time against CISF Protectors FT in their second game in the 135th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup 2026 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Friday 31 July 2026 at 7:30 PM (IST).

After the Kolkata Derby defeat, the Moshal Brigade under the guidance of their experienced and veteran head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas would like to aim a big win against the underdog CISF Protectors Football Team.

For East Bengal it will be an important match if they want to stay alive in the tournament and for the CISF team, it will be a chance to showcase their potential in the big stage against a strong opponent like East Bengal. CISF is also coming after a 2-0 defeat against South United FC in their first match.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

For East Bengal, this Durand Cup will be the beginning of a new era as they gear up to perform under new head coach Antonio Habas. The Torchbearers have had a few changes to their squad from the previous campaign, and they look to dominate in the second match of this year’s Durand Cup against a comparatively easy opponent, CISF Protectors Football Team.

After a narrow 1-0 defeat in a closely fought Kolkata Derby against their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan SG, the Moshal Brigade would like to grab their first points of the tournament with a statement win.

Habas will be making some changes to East Bengal’s playing style, and he’ll need his side to maintain a sturdy defensive shape to frustrate the CISF team.

He’ll also urge them to be clinical on the transitions and with their attacking rhythm to be able to get a big result.

A commanding win for East Bengal in their second match under the Spaniard will be a huge confidence booster for the squad, but a draw or a loss can cause an unnecessary dip in morale.

CISF Protectors Football Team

The CISF Protectors represent the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The CISF Protectors has been a consistent participant in the Services Football Championship and various national-level tournaments, earning a reputation for discipline, physical excellence, and tactical organisation. The Foundation year of the football team was in the year 2013, and their current head coach is ASI Shehzad Khan.

Over the years, the team has served as a platform for talented footballers serving within the force, many of whom have represented the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) in elite domestic competitions.

Their main aim would be to frustrate a opponent like East Bengal FC in this prestigious stage and showcase their talent to the Indian Football Fraternity.

CISF is also coming after a 2-0 defeat against South United FC in their first match. So, they’ll also be eager to show some intent against East Bengal in the Group A clash of the 135th Durand Cup 2026.

Team News

East Bengal are likely to field an all-Indian side for their second Durand Cup match, but midfielder Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramirez could feature in it.

CISF Football Team on the other hand will field a team with domestic players only as an institutional team representing the Central Industrial Security Force (an Indian paramilitary force), the squad consists entirely of Indian personnel and domestic players.

Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)

This will be the first time when these two sides will lock horns with each other.

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal FC (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Lalchungnunga, Anwar Ali, Sandip Mandi, Jay Gupta, Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Rashid, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, Edmund Lalrindika, PV Vishnu.

CISF Protectors FT (4-2-3-1)

Raj Kumar Mahato (GK), Gurpal Singh, Pawan Pratap Singh, Jatinder Kumar, Thangminlien Haokip, Bhola Singh, Damanpreet Singh, Bebetto, Karamjeet Singh, Jacob C, Rajdeep Singh.

Players to Watchout

Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)

Edmund Lalrindika has been very good, since joining East Bengal FC last season. He is coming at the back of a pretty good 2025-26 ISL campaign with East Bengal, as he managed to score four goals and became the second highest scorer for East Bengal in last year’s ISL behind the Golden Boot winner, Youssef Ezzejjari and helped them in their title winning campaign.

Now, Edmund is aiming to earn a bigger role for himself with the Kolkata side under the guidance of new coach Antonio Habas. He had already played under coach Habas in the Inter Kashi side in Indian Football league (then I-League) and won the tournament in 2024-25.

Edmund has already impressed in the Kolkata Derby for the Torchbearers and is now aiming to make his presence felt in the second match of the Durand Cup as well.

Edmund will be looking to make good use of his speed and dribbling skills to move the ball forward quickly and put the opposition defenders under pressure.

He’ll aim to be decisive with his final third passes and crosses to set up chances, and also look to venture into more goal-scoring areas himself to kick-start his Durand Cup goal-assist tally with a bang.

Bhola Singh (CISF Protectors FT)

Bhola Singh is a regular starter for the CISF outfit in the Delhi Premier League due to his goal-scoring abilities in counter attacks. He will be a major threat for the opponent if he plays against East Bengal in the Durand Cup match.

His primary position is centre forward but he can also play as a No.9 if required. Bhola’s energy and pace make him dangerous outlet and different from others on the break.

He is strong in aerial duels, which is a threat for the opponent as well. He also likes to chase long balls and press the defenders aggressively for a side with less ball possession.

He likes to target the space behind the defence line and create his goal-scoring chances through counter attacks. So East Bengal defenders needs to be aware of this threat as well.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2026 clash between East Bengal and CISF Protectors FT will take place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Friday, 31 July (2026).

The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. It will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and be shown live on Sony Ten 2.

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