RFDL 2025-26: East Bengal outclass Mohun Bagan SG in 2-0 win in Kolkata Derby

East Bengal, Mohun Bagan SG and Diamond Harbour advance to Zonal Group Stage.

The matches in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2025–26 Regional Qualifiers delivered drama, intensity and decisive results in Kolkata.

A fiercely contested Kolkata Derby took centre stage, while crucial wins elsewhere ensured clarity over the teams advancing to the Zonal Group Stage, bringing the regional phase of the competition to an emphatic close.

East Bengal edge past Mohun Bagan SG in tense Kolkata Derby

East Bengal imposed themselves early in the contest, enjoying the better share of chances and keeping Mohun Bagan’s defence under sustained pressure in the first half. Despite their attacking intent, the Red & Gold Brigade were unable to find the breakthrough before the interval.

That dominance finally paid off immediately after the restart, as East Bengal struck in the 46th minute through a moment of fortune and persistence. Guite Vanlalpeka sent a dangerous ball into the box, and although Gurnaj Singh Grewal attempted to clear the danger, the ball deflected off Laikhuram Ricky Singh and rolled into the net to give East Bengal the lead.

The goal injected urgency into the game, with Mohun Bagan SG pushing forward in search of a response. However, East Bengal’s defence, marshalled by Sonam Tsewang Lhokham, stood firm and dealt calmly with the pressure. Even after Guite was shown the red card, the Red & Gold Brigade remained composed and dangerous on the counter.

Their determination was rewarded late in stoppage time when Laikhuram Ricky Singh found the net again in the 94th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack after Debojit Roy’s initial effort was saved by Priyansh Dubey. The result confirmed East Bengal’s place in the Zonal Group Stage, along with Mohun Bagan and Diamond Harbour.

The result means Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal and Diamond Harbour progress to the Zonal Group Stage of the league.

More Results

Victoria Sporting Club also finished on a high, defeating Bengal Future Champs 2–0 in a controlled performance. Nur Islam Mondal broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, while Subasish Nayak added the second late in the game to ensure Victoria Sporting Club claimed all three points.

In the final fixture of the day, Diamond Harbour edged past United SC with a narrow 1–0 victory. Thanglalsoun Gangte struck the decisive goal in the 69th minute, a result that proved crucial as Diamond Harbour secured their place in the Zonal Group Stage.

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