CUTTACK 02-Oct-2010 134
East Bengal pipped arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 1-0 in the all-Kolkata final to retain the trophy in the 32nd Federation Cup Football Tournament at the floodlit Barabati Stadium here today. Mid-fielder Reisangmi Vashum starred in the triumph, booting home the all-important goal in the 54th minute
This was East Bengal’s seventh title triumph in 14 final appearances and they received the top prize of Rs 14 lakhs. The red and gold brigade had lifted the trophy earlier in 1985, 1996, 2007, 2009 and shared it with Mohun Bagarn in 1978 and 1980.
Thirteen-time champions Mohun Bagan finished runners-up for the fifth time and had to be contended with Rs 7 lakhs. Orissa Sports Minister Pravin Chandra Bhanjadeo handed over the trophy at the closing ceremony, which accompanied a lot of fireworks.
East Bengal’s victory margin would have been 2-0 if star striker Tolgay Ozbey had not missed a penalty kick in the 20th minute. Earlier in the semifinals, East Bengal beat Churchill Brothers 1-0, while Mohun Bagan pipped I-League winners Dempo Sports Club 6-4 via tie-breaker.
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PHOTO: East Bengal players lift the Federation Cup after beating Mohun Bagan in the final in Cuttack on October 2, 2010.
