East Bengal FC kept their knockout hopes alive in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over South United FC in their final Group A fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday.

Goals from Dani Ramírez, Mohamad Basim Rashid, Hardik Bhatt, Bipin Singh and David Lalhlansanga sealed an emphatic win for the Red and Gold Brigade, who finished the group stage with six points and a healthy +11 goal difference, strengthening their chances of progressing as one of the tournament’s best second-placed teams.

East Bengal made an ideal start, taking the lead in just the sixth minute. Captain Mohamad Basim Rashid found Dani Ramírez outside the box, and the Spaniard curled a superb long-range strike into the top corner to give the hosts an early advantage.

The Kolkata giants dominated possession throughout the opening half, with Jeakson Singh, Jesin T.K. Thonikkara and Ramírez controlling the midfield. Despite South United’s disciplined defensive effort, the hosts doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Ramírez’s corner was flicked on by Jesin, allowing Rashid to head home from close range.

South United’s goalkeeper Sunil Singh produced a string of impressive saves to keep the visitors in the contest, while defenders Noel S, Rowan James and Rishik Shetty made several crucial interventions. The Bengaluru-based side’s best chance of the opening half came late on when Md Altaf Hussain’s deflected effort forced Gourab Shaw into action.

East Bengal entered the break firmly in control after enjoying 84 per cent possession and registering 21 shots.

The hosts continued to dictate proceedings after halftime but had to wait until the 73rd minute for their third goal. Defender Hardik Bhatt tried his luck from distance, and his low strike deceived Sunil Singh before finding the back of the net.

Substitute Bipin Singh made it 4-0 eight minutes later, rising highest to nod home Christopher James’ inviting cross after the South United defence failed to clear their lines.

David Lalhlansanga completed the rout in stoppage time, collecting the ball inside the penalty area before smashing a powerful left-footed finish into the roof of the net to cap a dominant performance.

While South United bowed out of the competition after another spirited display, East Bengal must now wait for results in the remaining groups to determine whether their impressive goal difference is enough to secure a quarter-final berth as one of the competition’s best runners-up.