What happened when Mohun Bagan faced East Bengal in Kolkata derby last time in Guwahati

Kolkata Derby was shifted to Guwahati amid security concerns in Kolkata.

The iconic Kolkata Derby, one of the fiercest football rivalries in India, will return to Guwahati on January 11, 2025. The upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium isn’t the first time this historic fixture has graced the city.

The last Kolkata Derby played in Guwahati was during the Federation Cup semifinal in 2009, a memorable encounter that saw East Bengal defeat Mohun Bagan 2-0.

Back in 2009, the Nehru Stadium in Guwahati served as the battleground for a high-stakes Kolkata Derby in the Federation Cup semifinal. Mohun Bagan entered the match as the favorites, having consistently outperformed East Bengal in the preceding I-League season. The Mariners had also defeated East Bengal 5-3 in their last I-League Kolkata Derby encounter, further tilting the odds in their favor.

East Bengal, however, were determined to script a comeback under the guidance of Belgian coach Philippe de Ridder. Despite a shaky season and a mid-year coaching change, the Red-and-Gold brigade delivered a resilient performance.

Also Read: ISL: Kolkata Derby shifted from Kolkata to Guwahati amid security concerns

What happened in the last Kolkata Derby in Guwahati?

The match started with Mohun Bagan taking control of the early exchanges, even earning a controversial penalty in the 33rd minute. However, their Brazilian talisman, Jose Ramirez Barreto, shockingly missed the spot-kick, his effort going wide of the post. The miss rejuvenated East Bengal, who began asserting themselves in the second half.

The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when veteran striker Yusif Yakubu capitalized on a corner from Sanju Pradhan, slotting the ball home to give East Bengal the lead. Mohun Bagan struggled to find their rhythm afterward, and East Bengal’s defense, marshaled by Uga Okpara, kept their attackers, including Barreto and Chidi Edeh, in check.

In the dying moments of the game, Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia, coming off the bench, set up Mehtab Hussain, who scored a stunning second goal in the 89th minute to seal East Bengal’s victory.

The win propelled East Bengal to the Federation Cup final, where they defeated Shillong Lajong to lift the trophy. That semifinal remains a cherished memory for East Bengal fans, who will hope for a repeat of such heroics as the Kolkata derby returns to Guwahati after 16 years.

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