Inter Kashi FC vs East Bengal FC: Head-to-head record ahead of ISL 2026-27
East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi on the final day of the 2025-26 ISL to clinch the title.
Spanish tactician Antonio Lopez Habas, a figure of major significance in Inter Kashi FC’s short history, is set to face his former club as head coach of their opponents, East Bengal FC.
After winning the 2023-24 ISL Shield with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Habas made a surprise move to join Inter Kashi FC in the I-League (now IFL). He led the team to the I-League title in his first season, securing promotion and guiding the club to a solid mid-table finish in the 2025-26 ISL.
Inter Kashi, in just their second season in the ISL, are already facing significant financial difficulties and are currently forced to field an all-Indian squad. Carlos Vaz Pinto, who has taken charge of the team, has done a decent job so far, with his side putting up a brave fight despite losing to Kerala Blasters and securing a draw against an Odisha FC side that featured five foreign players.
East Bengal have played only one game in the 2026-27 ISL season and won it comfortably, defeating Churchill Brothers SC 4-0. They have also won the Durand Cup this season while impressing in their 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two campaign. Up next, they face Inter Kashi before taking on Al-Seeb in two crucial Champions League clashes.
The clash between Inter Kashi and East Bengal FC is scheduled to take place at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on 23 October, with kick-off set for 17:00 IST.
With kick-off fast approaching and both teams drawing up their tactical plans to secure all three points, let’s take a look at the history these two sides share.
East Bengal won the 2025-26 ISL against Inter Kashi
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Photo:Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
Inter Kashi and East Bengal have faced each other only once in the former’s short history. The clash took place in the final game week of the 2025-26 Indian Super League, in a fixture that was a must-win for East Bengal as they chased their first ISL title.
Inter Kashi were led by Abhijit Mondal after Habas had parted ways with the club just a couple of days before the end of the season. The Indian head coach guided his side to a strong start, with Inter Kashi taking an early lead in the 13th minute to stun the Red and Gold Brigade.
However, East Bengal went into the half-time break trailing but returned with renewed energy and determination for the most important 45 minutes of their season. They overcame the deficit to claim the title. Ezzejjari scored the equalizer early in the second half, while Rashid netted the winner around the 70th minute to secure not just three points but also the 2025-26 ISL title for his club.
Shortly after the final whistle, East Bengal fans stormed the pitch to celebrate with their heroes, including Oscar Bruzon’s coaching staff, who had delivered the club’s first top-tier league title in almost 22 years.
The clash between the two sides this season, however, is expected to be a cakewalk for East Bengal FC on paper. They boast a far superior squad and a head coach who took four key players from the Inter Kashi team that fought hard against the Red and Gold Brigade last season.
Head-to-Head Record
Matches played: 01
Inter Kashi FC won: 0
East Bengal FC won: 01
Draws: 0
What was the result in East Bengal’s opening game of the season?
East Bengal registered a 4-0 win in their opening game of the 2026/27 ISL season against Churchill Brothers SC.
Why are Inter Kashi FC playing with an all-Indian squad in 2026-27 ISL?
Inter Kashi are playing the 2026/27 ISL squad with an all-Indian squad due to transfer bans and financial difficulties.
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