East Bengal FC produced a ruthless attacking display to register a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Inter Kashi in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday (October 23).

The Red and Gold Brigade took control of the contest early, scoring four times in the first half to put the result beyond Inter Kashi’s reach. Despite conceding once through an own goal, East Bengal maintained their dominance and added another strike in the closing stages to complete an emphatic win.

Dani Ramírez and PV Vishnu Give East Bengal Early Advantage

East Bengal wasted little time in asserting their authority, with Ramírez breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute. The attacking midfielder found space on the right side of the penalty area before delicately lifting the ball over Inter Kashi goalkeeper Albino Gomes to hand his side the lead.

The Torchbearers doubled their advantage eight minutes later through Vishnu. Capitalising on a swift counterattack initiated by Loba, the youngster produced a composed left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner to put East Bengal firmly in control.

Loba then added his name to the scoresheet in the 22nd minute after East Bengal were awarded a penalty. Wayne Vaz brought down Ramírez inside the box, allowing the Ivorian forward to step up and send a powerful right-footed strike into the top-right corner. The goal marked Loba’s first of the season.

Aké Loba Completes Brace Before Half-Time

Inter Kashi found a route back into the match in the 28th minute when East Bengal defender Lalchungnunga inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The goal briefly offered the visitors some encouragement, but the defending champions continued to threaten in attack.

Loba struck again before the interval to complete his brace and restore East Bengal’s three-goal cushion. His second goal of the evening ensured the Kolkata-based side went into the break with a commanding 4-1 lead, having made the most of their attacking opportunities.

Zwolinski put the finishing touches on East Bengal’s performance in the 81st minute. Introduced from the bench, the forward scored his first goal for the club in the MG ISL with a close-range left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner.

East Bengal have travelled to Mumbai directly from Pune and will then fly out to Oman for their AFC Champions League Two match against Al Seeb. For the home side, their next challenge is against FC Goa and they will be hoping for a better outing in it.