East Bengal, coming from behind against the spirited Indian Air Force, opened account in their Durand Cup opener with a convincing 3-1 victory against the spirited Indian Air Force on Monday at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Indian Air Force had an impressive start and they took the lead in the 19th minute after Somananda Singh rose and flicked a header past Prabhsukhan Gill and into the net.

Just before halftime, David Lalhlansanga equalized for the Red and Gold Brigade with a chip over the Air Force goalkeeper Subhajit Basu.

East Bengal obtained the lead after the breakthrough substitute and debutant Dimitrios Diamantakos, the former Kerala Blasters forward and the Golden Boot winner in the ISL last season. Diamantakos found the back of the net in the 61st minute and skipper Saul Crespo added a third to East Bengal’s tally. 

Madih Talal looked in good shape in East Bengal’s central midfield. He was seen combining well with the side’s forward line. His peerless performance was evident when he was treated with a rousing applause from the East Bengal fans in the stands when the Frenchman was substituted off for Jesin TK.