East Bengal aim to keep their knockout hopes alive when they face South United FC in their final Group A match of the 2026 Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday.
Fresh off a dominant 8-0 win over CISF Protectors, the Torchbearers know a convincing victory could still put them in contention, with the top team from each group plus the two best runners up advancing to the knockouts.
Match Details: East Bengal vs South United FC Kickoff Information
Here’s what fans need to know before kickoff tonight.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Durand Cup 2026, Group A |
| Date | Friday, August 7, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
(Source: Durand Cup)
For the full Group A picture and how this fixture affects the wider table, FootballMint’s Durand Cup 2026 points table has every group’s latest standings.
The Stakes: What a Win Means for Both Sides
This is a genuine must win clash for both clubs, and the stakes go well beyond just this group stage finale.
East Bengal FC: A dominant win would keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockouts and further validate head coach Antonio Lopez Habas’ system. This is also his last chance to finalise his strategy and team list before East Bengal host Al-Arabi SC in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 preliminary stage at the same venue, so a loss or draw here could prove an unwanted setback before that continental clash.
South United FC: The Bengaluru club need a big performance to pull off a genuine upset. A win would be a strong signal of their growth as a club, while defeat ends their Durand Cup 2026 campaign entirely.
Recent Form and Results
Both sides arrive with mixed recent form after contrasting results in their opening two group games.
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| East Bengal FC | W, L |
| South United FC | L, W |
(Source: Durand Cup)
East Bengal’s most recent result was that emphatic 8-0 demolition of CISF Protectors, in which PV Vishnu scored a hattrick and Jessin TK bagged a brace on his first senior appearance of the season. Bipin Singh and Jeakson Singh also found the net, along with an own goal. South United, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a win over CISF Protectors before being beaten 8-0 by Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their second match, a defeat that mirrors the scoreline East Bengal just posted against the same opponent.
Head to Head: East Bengal Hold the Advantage
This will be the second meeting between the two clubs in Durand Cup history, and the record so far heavily favours East Bengal.
| Record | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 1 |
| East Bengal wins | 1 |
| South United wins | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
(Source: Durand Cup)
The last time these two sides met at Salt Lake Stadium, East Bengal won 5-0 in the 2025 edition of the tournament, also in the group stage. That history alone gives East Bengal every reason for confidence heading into Friday’s rematch.
Team News
Both camps head into this one with clean bills of health.
- East Bengal have no injury troubles heading into the fixture.
- South United should have a fully fit squad available for selection.
(Source: Durand Cup)
Predicted Lineups for East Bengal vs South United FC
Here’s the full starting eleven for both sides, one player per row.
| East Bengal FC (4-2-3-1) | South United FC (3-4-3) |
|---|---|
| Phurba Lachenpa (GK) | Sunil Singh (GK) |
| Hardik Bhatt | Rowan |
| Lalchungnunga | Rishik Shetty |
| Anwar Ali | Noel S |
| Sandip Mandi | B Abhiram |
| Mohammed Rashid | Rinshid |
| Dani Ramirez | Rithish |
| Jeakson Singh | Mustafa Shaikh |
| Edmund Lalrindika | Md. Altab Hussain |
| Jessin TK | Shogohou |
| PV Vishnu | Makkamayum Daniyal |
(Source: Durand Cup)
East Bengal line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Hardik Bhatt, Lalchungnunga, Anwar Ali and Sandip Mandi forming the back four, Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramirez screening in front of them, and Jeakson Singh, Edmund Lalrindika and Jessin TK operating just behind lone striker PV Vishnu.
South United go with a 3-4-3, built around a back three of Rowan, Rishik Shetty and Noel S, a four man midfield of B Abhiram, Rinshid, Rithish and Mustafa Shaikh, and a front three of Md. Altab Hussain, Shogohou and Makkamayum Daniyal leading the attack.
Players to Watch in the Group A Finale
A couple of individual battles could end up defining this match.
Jessin TK (East Bengal FC): The 26 year old Kerala born striker has been in excellent form this Durand Cup, scoring a brace against CISF Protectors while also creating chances throughout that game. Known for intelligent movement and direct running, he’s versatile enough to operate as a right winger, centre forward or second striker, giving Habas real tactical flexibility up front.
Rishik Shetty (South United FC): The 31 year old centre back brings composure, aerial dominance and leadership to the South United backline. He’s already scored once in this competition, netting the opener from a set piece in the 65th minute against CISF Protectors, and his experience could prove vital in trying to frustrate East Bengal’s attacking trio of Vishnu, Jessin TK and Edmund Lalrindika.
Where to Watch East Bengal vs South United FC
Fans can catch the match through the following broadcast options.
- Streaming: Sony LIV
- TV: Sony Ten 2
(Source: Durand Cup)
FootballMint’s Durand Cup 2026 live streaming and TV guide has the full broadcaster list for every fixture across the tournament.
East Bengal Aim to Extend Their Dominance Over South United in a Must Win Group A Finale
East Bengal go into this one full of confidence after an 8-0 demolition of CISF Protectors and a perfect head to head record against South United FC, while the Bengaluru side know only a big performance will keep their Durand Cup dream alive. With continental football also on Habas’ mind ahead of the AFC Champions League Two qualifier, expect East Bengal to go all out for a statement win at Salt Lake Stadium tonight.
