East Bengal FC delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in their second Group A match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, significantly boosting their semifinal prospects while eliminating Chennaiyin from contention. The Red and Gold Brigade, under coach Oscar Bruzon, capitalized on a devastating 11-minute spell before halftime, with Kevin Sibille opening the scoring via a header from Naorem Mahesh Singh’s free-kick, followed by a quick brace from Thounaojam Bipin Singh. Debutant Hiroshi Ibusuki sealed the rout with a stoppage-time penalty, marking his first goal for the club. This result, following East Bengal’s earlier 2-2 draw with Dempo SC, positions them atop Group A with four points, as reported by multiple sources.

Chennaiyin FC, led by new head coach Clifford Miranda, started brightly with an all-Indian squad, showing early promise through wingback Raj Basfore and captain Mandar Rao Dessai, who replaced Laldinliana Renthlei in the lineup. Forwards Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad tested East Bengal’s defense, with Farukh forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill within two minutes. However, the Marina Machans’ momentum faltered after Jiteshwor Singh’s injury-forced substitution in the 18th minute, disrupting their midfield. Despite a resilient defensive shape, Chennaiyin collapsed under East Bengal’s relentless pressure, conceding three goals before the break, as noted in match reports.

The second half saw Chennaiyin regroup with renewed intent, introducing substitutes Laldinliana, Maheson Singh, Gurkirat Singh, and Klusner Pereira to inject energy, especially after Irfan Yadwad was stretchered off. A highlight was Klusner’s goal-line clearance, which briefly kept the scoreline from worsening, but a controversial penalty call allowed East Bengal to add a fourth goal. Chennaiyin’s second consecutive loss—following a 2-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant—leaves them at the bottom of Group A with no points, effectively ending their campaign. The team now faces Dempo SC on October 31 in a bid to restore pride.

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The match underscores the high stakes of Group A, dubbed the “Group of Death,” with only the group winner advancing to the semifinals and earning a playoff spot in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two. East Bengal’s dominant display, fuelled by Bipin Singh’s brace and a cohesive attacking unit, sets up a crucial Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan on October 31, where a win could secure their semifinal berth. Chennaiyin, despite early promise and a historical edge over East Bengal (three wins in ten prior meetings), struggled to convert chances, a recurring issue under Miranda’s nascent tenure, as highlighted across coverage.

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