East Bengal fought back in the second half to hold arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Calcutta Football League 2026 Kolkata derby at the Barasat Stadium on Monday.
Manvir Singh put Mohun Bagan ahead in the 38th minute before substitute Mohamed Bilal restored parity with a header in the 64th minute. Neither side could find a winner during the closing stages as the Kolkata giants shared the points.
The result had no impact on qualification, with both clubs already through to the Super Six stage from Group A alongside Bhawanipore Club. East Bengal had won the previous CFL meeting between the rivals 3-2 last year.
Mohun Bagan fielded several senior players, including captain Subhasish Bose, Sahal Abdul Samad, Apuia and Manvir, while East Bengal relied on their reserve-team squad.
The Mariners controlled much of the opening period, enjoying around 60 per cent possession during the first 30 minutes. East Bengal stayed compact with two defensive lines of four but were eventually breached seven minutes before half-time.
Manvir collected a long ball while Ankan Bhattacharjee attempted to block his path and goalkeeper Gourab Shaw retreated towards goal. The forward cleverly sent his effort through the defender’s legs and beyond Shaw at the near post to give Mohun Bagan a 1-0 advantage.
East Bengal responded strongly after the interval. Bijay Murmu tested the opposition immediately before Manotos Maji was forced off with what appeared to be a broken nose, allowing Bilal to enter as his replacement.
The Red and Gold Brigade then increased the pressure. Murmu and Akash Hembram both had opportunities, while Chaku Mandi forced goalkeeper Deeprobhat Ghosh into a save. From the resulting corner, Uttam Hansda struck the crossbar with a header.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 64th minute. Murmu delivered from a corner and Bilal rose to direct a glancing header into the far corner, bringing East Bengal level.
Both teams pushed for a decisive second goal during the final stages, but the derby remained tied.
Shaw produced one of the game’s crucial interventions in the 84th minute, getting his fingertips to Sayan Banerjee’s close-range attempt and directing it over the crossbar.
That save ensured there would be no late winner, leaving East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to share the Kolkata derby honours ahead of the CFL Super Six stage.
