Latest news with #EastBengalFC
News18
17 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Transfer News: Hamid Ahadad Joins East Bengal FC On A One-Year Deal
East Bengal FC signed Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad for the 2025-26 season, with an option to extend. East Bengal FC confirmed the signing of Moroccan national team forward Hamid Ahadad on Tuesday for the 2025-26 season, with an option to extend for an additional year. Ahadad will wear jersey number 17. Welcoming Ahadad to the Red & Gold Brigade, Mr Thangboi Singto, Head of Football at East Bengal FC said, 'We are delighted to welcome Hamid to the East Bengal FC family. His experience, versatility and proven track record at the highest level will significantly strengthen our attacking prowess. We believe Hamid will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our ambitions in the upcoming season." Who Is East Bengal's Hamid Ahadad? A versatile attacker capable of playing as a centre-forward or winger, Ahadad has built an impressive career across top-tier African leagues. He joins East Bengal FC from Morocco's Botola Pro Inwi side Maghreb de Fès, where he played 1,432 minutes across 19 matches, contributing 3 goals and 3 assists last season. In 162 Botola Pro Inwi matches overall, the 30-year-old has logged 45 goals and 14 assists. Ahadad's standout performances include a successful stint with Zamalek SC in Egypt where he won the Egyptian Premier League (2020-21), the Saudi-Egyptian Super Cup (2018) and the CAF Confederation Cup (2018-19). He also won the Botola Pro Inwi with Raja Casablanca in 2019-20. Ahadad has also represented Botola Pro Inwi clubs FUS Rabat and Wydad AC in the past. Speaking about Ahadad's inclusion, East Bengal FC Head Coach Oscar Bruzon said, 'Hamid is primarily a centre-forward who is also capable of playing on the left wing as well as an attacking midfielder. He is a consistent goal scorer with a strong instinct for finding the back of the net. His skills and vast experience of playing for various top-level Moroccan and Egyptian clubs along with his international experience can indeed be a significant asset to the team." Thrilled to embark on his journey with East Bengal FC, Ahadad said, 'I have heard great things about this club. Joining a club with such a century-long legacy is an honour. I have played for Zamalek SC in the past, so I am well aware of the pressure and intensity associated with iconic derbies. Now I can't wait to experience the Kolkata derby, which is one of the biggest derbies in Asia. I want to give my best for this club and its passionate fans, and win as many trophies as possible." view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee kickstarts 134th Durand Cup with grand ceremony
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the historic 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, with a spectacular opening ceremony at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. This year's event comes with the prize money being increased almost three times, with the winners taking home a whopping 3 crore who traditionally launches this iconic tournament, was back this year after missing season's event due to official duties in Delhi. She formally kicked off the tournament by taking a symbolic shot at the ball, and joined at the event by Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, and Minister of State for Sports Manoj Tiwary, along with senior Indian Army West Bengal Chief Minister spoke about the rich history of the Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in the world, which was first held in 1888. Banerjee also said she was proud to see four teams from Kolkata take part in the tournament this year. 'Especially since it began in Bengal, and this time, four teams from Bengal are participating, we are proud,' she however, didn't entertain any questions about the Indian Super League, which has been put on hold at the moment. 'Please don't ask me about that here. This is not the right place.'The opening ceremony saw a flypast by three Indian army helicopters, and also featured dancers performing to a song written by Mamata Banerjee herself. Various army divisions showcased diverse dance forms like Bhangra, Rabindra Nritya, and the Khukuri dance during the ceremony as well. A total of 24 teams will take part in the tournament this year, along with two teams from Nepal and Malaysia. The final of the tournament will take place on August 23 Durand Cup 2025: Teams and groupsGroup A: East Bengal FC, Indian Air Force FT, Namdhari FC, South United FCGroup B: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC, Border Security Force FTGroup C: Jamshedpur FC, Tribhuvan Army FT, Indian Army FT, 1 Ladakh FCGroup D: Punjab FC, ITBP FT, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FCGroup E: Shillong Lajong FC, NorthEast United FC, Malaysian Armed Forces, Rangdajied United FCGroup F: TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Real Kashmir FC, Indian Navy FT- Ends
News18
21-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup Champions: Does Victory Translate To ISL Success?
1/8 ISL 2021-22 finish: 9th However, despite their Durand Cup triumph under Juan Ferrando, FC Goa struggled in the ISL. A mid-season coaching change saw interim head coach Derrick Pereira take over, but the Gaurs never found their rhythm. Injuries and inconsistent performances hampered their campaign, resulting in just four wins in 20 league matches, marking their poorest league finish since 2016. (FSDL) 3/8 Durand Cup 2022 result: Champions (beat Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the final) Bengaluru FC lifted their first Durand Cup title in 2022. Unlike the previous edition, the 2022 tournament was held across multiple venues: Kolkata, Imphal, and Guwahati. Bengaluru FC finished second in their five-team group, edged past Odisha FC in the quarter-finals, and secured a narrow 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC in the semi-finals. In the final, they defeated Mumbai City FC, who had topped Group B. (FSDL) ISL 2022-23 finish: 4th in league & ISL Cup finalists Under new head coach Simon Grayson, the Blues struggled to carry the Durand Cup momentum into the season, collecting just ten points from their opening 12 matches. However, they made a remarkable late-season surge, winning eight straight league matches to qualify for the playoffs and then reaching the final. They also reached the Super Cup final later that season, finishing as runners-up to Odisha FC. (FSDL) 5/8 Durand Cup 2023 result: Champions (beat East Bengal FC 1-0 in the final) Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their record 17th Durand Cup in 2023, defeating rivals East Bengal FC in a nail-biting final. Drawn in Group A, they finished second behind East Bengal FC but qualified for the knockouts as one of the best second-placed teams. From there, the Mariners defeated heavyweights Mumbai City FC and FC Goa en route to the final. In the summit clash, they faced East Bengal FC again and avenged their group-stage loss with a hard-fought win to lift the trophy. (FSDL) ISL 2023-24 finish: 1st in the league and ISL Cup finalists This momentum carried into their ISL campaign. Boosted by strong additions in midfield and attack, MBSG started well. A mid-season slump saw the Mariners dismiss Ferrando and replace him with Antonio Habas. They turned a corner, topped the league stage, and secured the Shield. Although they fell short in the final after losing to Mumbai City FC in Kolkata, the Durand Cup triumph, particularly the win over arch-rivals East Bengal, proved pivotal in building early chemistry and belief within the squad. (FSDL) 7/8 Durand Cup 2024 result: Champions (beat MBSG 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw) NorthEast United FC stunned everyone by defeating defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant to lift the 2024 Durand Cup. Played across four venues, the 2024 edition saw the Highlanders top their group before beating Indian Army and Shillong Lajong FC in the knockout stages. In the final, they faced tournament favourites MBSG at the Salt Lake Stadium. After going 2-0 down, they made a remarkable comeback, striking twice in the second half to force penalties and holding their nerve in the shootout to script a historic win. (FSDL) ISL 2024-25 finish: ISL Playoffs This marked their first-ever major silverware and gave fans a genuine reason to dream. Under Juan Pedro Benali, the team carried that momentum into the ISL season and quickly established themselves as one of the most formidable sides in the league. They suffered just six defeats, the joint-third fewest in the regular season, and scored the second-most goals. Their attacking intent and resilience saw them finish fourth in the table, but their campaign ended in the playoffs following a defeat to Jamshedpur FC. (FSDL)
News18
19-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Durand Cup 2025: Home Favourites Hope For Strong Start To Wrest Early Advantage
The 134th Durand Cup, commencing on July 23rd, 2025, features 10 matches spread across the host cities of Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal. This promises to be an exciting first week of football action, especially with popular home favourites aiming to gain an early advantage through strong starts. Top Indian Super League (ISL) teams, East Bengal FC (16-time former winners) and Jamshedpur FC (former ISL League Winners Shield winners), will kick off on the first two match days. Additionally, three local derbies featuring other top local contenders like Mohammedan Sporting (former champions), Shillong Lajong FC, and NEROCA FC (former finalists) are expected to attract significant local interest.
News18
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Transfer News: East Bengal Sign Miguel Figueira, Md Rashid And Kevin Sibille
East Bengal signed Brazilian Miguel Figueira, Palestinian Mohammed Rashid and Argentine Kevin Sibille for 2025-26 season. Coach Oscar Bruzon praises their quality and fit. East Bengal FC is delighted to announce the signings of Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, Palestinian international midfielder Mohammed Rashid, and Argentine defender Kevin Sibille as part of the club's reinforcements for the 2025-26 season. Miguel will wear jersey number 8, Rashid will don number 74, and Sibille will sport number 6. Welcoming the trio to the squad, Mr Thangboi Singto, Head of Football at East Bengal FC, said, 'Miguel, Rashid and Kevin are all players with proven pedigree. These reinforcements reflect our vision to scout match-winners who can make a difference. Coach Oscar wanted to get these players because they fit into his tactical framework. We are confident about their quality and believe they can make a significant impact" Who Are East Bengal's New Signings? Miguel Figueira, known for his creativity and defensive composure, reunites with Coach Oscar Bruzon, under whose guidance he had a successful stint at Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings, winning three consecutive Bangladesh Premier League titles (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24) and two consecutive Independence Cups (2022-23 and 2023-24). Before joining Bashundhara, the tall midfielder represented Brazilian Serie B club Goias EC. At Bashundhara, Miguel registered 37 goals and 26 assists in 64 matches. Mohammed Rashid, a standout performer for the Palestinian national team, brings defensive solidity and tactical discipline to the squad. Having helped Palestine reach the Round of 16 in last year's AFC Asian Cup, Rashid strengthens the team's midfield with his robust playing style and ability to anchor the midfield. The 30-year-old joins East Bengal after a notable stint with Indonesian Super League side Persebaya Surabaya, where he played 33 matches and scored 6 goals. His previous clubs include Bali United (Indonesia), Jabal Al-Mukaber (Palestine), Smouha SC (Egypt), Persib Bandung (Indonesia), Al-Jeel (Saudi Arabia), Shabab Al-Bireh (Palestine), and Hilal Al-Quds (Palestine). Kevin Sibille, a product of the prestigious River Plate Academy, joins the Red & Gold Brigade from Spanish club SD Ponferradina. Sibille demonstrated his defensive prowess during spells with Atletico Baleares, CD Castellon, and Valencia B. In the 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old logged 2,602 minutes across 32 matches for Ponferradina. Discussing these new signings, East Bengal FC Head Coach Oscar Bruzon said, 'Miguel is a game changer in the attacking third. He is at the peak of his career and is expected to display exceptional quality and score crucial goals for the team. Kevin is a young and modern centre-back who not only excels in the main defensive duties of winning duels, blocking shots and covering the backline with his pace, but also contributes to the team's offensive play through his passing and ball control. Rashid is a disciplined and strong-minded defensive midfielder, known for his ball-winning ability, interceptions, tactical awareness, leadership, high work-rate and mobility. While primarily an anchor, Rashid has evolved his playing style to contribute offensively with good distribution and long-range shooting." Miguel expressed his excitement about joining East Bengal FC, stating, 'I am very happy to join this iconic club and reunite with Coach Bruzon and S & C Coach Javier Sanchez. They are great people who have helped me a lot in my career. I hope to have a great season and win titles for this great club and its fans." Rashid said, 'I am honoured to join the Red & Gold family. I want to make a significant contribution to the club's mission to win titles. I cannot wait to play in Kolkata and achieve great things for the East Bengal fans. Joy East Bengal!" Sibille stated, 'I am privileged to be part of a historic club like East Bengal. I am excited to play in Kolkata, interact with all the passionate fans and create wonderful memories with them – memories which we can all be proud of." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
