“Never seen such craze for football,” states Mohun Bagan SG Reserves Coach Deggie Cardozo after a thrilling RFDL Kolkata Derby

by Chittu Shetty January 30, 2025

The final matchday of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 Regional Qualifiers went down the wire as three teams – Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC & Diamond Harbour FC progressed to the Zonal Group Stage on Wednesday.

Deggie Cardozo, the Reserves Team Head Coach of Mohun Bagan SG was elated after the match as his side qualified for the next stage. He stated, “The players showed great character & desire to win games throughout the tournament so far. We have qualified for the next stage, so it’s not over for us yet. We have short time to prepare and are focusing on the same.”

Cardozo went on to appreciate the support from the fans who turned up in huge numbers in the stadium, saying, “It’s very good when you have someone backing you from the stands and I have never seen such craze for football (youth tournaments). It’s incredible. Hopefully we’ll give the fans something more to cheer about in the coming games.”

The much-anticipated Kolkata Derby between East Bengal FC & Mohun Bagan SG drew scores of spectators at the Naihati Stadium as it turned out to be a cagey affair between the two arch-rivals. In the 31st minute, Mohun Bagan SG midfielder Tushar Biswakarma had the golden opportunity to put the Mariners in front. However, East Bengal FC goalkeeper Gourab Shaw showed his great composure to deny his effort in a one-on-one situation, as the two teams headed into the break goalless.

In the 65th minute, East Bengal came inches close to taking the lead. Aman CK’s perfectly-lobbed cross was met by Shyamal Besra with a well-connected volley, however, his effort went just wide off the left post. The match eventually ended in a goalless stalemate as both the Kolkata giants qualified for the next phase of the RF Development League.

In the other action on the day, Odisha FC blanked Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0, while Diamond Harbour FC finished the regional qualifiers in style as they completely outclassed United SC 6-1 in a one-sided contest.

Brief Scores:

East Bengal FC 0 – Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0

Mohammedan SC 0 — Odisha FC 2 {39’ Kartik Hantal, 90’ Narendra Naik}

Diamond Harbour FC 6 {53′ 78′ William Lalgoulien (P), 65′ Akash Hemram, 72′ Srimanta Kisku, 84′ 89′ Benjamin Lalnunpuia} – United SC 1 {27′ Nitesh Kumar Mondal (P)}

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