Published By: Sayan Guha

Kolkata Derby 2024: Can East Bengal’s 2003 ASEAN Triumph Ignite a First ISL Victory Over Mohun Bagan?

As the Kolkata giants gear up for another fierce ISL showdown, we look back at East Bengal’s historic ASEAN Cup win in 2003, a shining moment for Indian football

There’s something in the air of Kolkata, a sense of excitement, passion, and rivalry that only the Kolkata Derby can bring. On October 19, 2024, the green and maroon of Mohun Bagan Super Giant will collide with the red and gold of East Bengal FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The first ISL derby of the season promises to be an unforgettable evening under the floodlights.

The Kolkata Derby has been more than just a football match for years. It’s an emotion, a battle of pride that splits the city into two halves. But as the whistle blows this time, the Red and Gold Brigade will also carry memories of a glorious past—their unforgettable triumph in the 2003 ASEAN Cup.

The golden moment of 2003

Most football fans might think of the ASEAN Cup as a distant tournament lost in the pages of history. But for East Bengal, it was the stage on which they etched their name in Asian football history.

Back in 2003, East Bengal made the impossible look ordinary. Invited as a special entry to the tournament, they weren’t exactly considered favourites. After all, the competition brought together the champion clubs from Southeast Asia, and India wasn’t part of that footballing map. Yet, what unfolded was nothing short of a football fairy tale.

From group struggles to heroic wins

East Bengal’s journey in the tournament didn’t start on the right foot. Facing BEC Tero Sasana, a Thai football heavyweight, they lost 1-0. It wasn’t the dream start they’d hoped for, but it didn’t break their spirit. They regrouped and thrashed the Philippines Army 6-0 in the next match, with Bhaichung Bhutia putting on a masterclass and scoring five goals. This thumping victory carried them into the knockout stages.

Then came the quarter-final and semi-final, where East Bengal faced two of Indonesia’s strongest clubs—Persita Tangerang and Petrokimia Putra. These were hard-fought battles that tested every ounce of their resilience. East Bengal edged out Persita Tangerang 2-1 in the quarter-final, thanks to goals from Mike Okoro and Bhaichung Bhutia.

In the semi-final, they held their nerve in a tense 1-1 draw with Petrokimia Putra and eventually won 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Once again, Bhutia was the star, scoring vital goals that led his team to the final.

The final against BEC Tero Sasana

The final was a rematch against BEC Tero Sasana, the team that had earlier defeated them. This time, though, Subhas Bhowmick, the legendary coach, had something special up his sleeve. He devised a tactical masterclass, fielding a 3-5-2 formation to both defend and counterattack. It worked like a charm.

Mike Okoro struck the first blow in the 28th minute, and just after the break, Bhutia doubled the lead. BEC Tero did pull one back but then came a moment of brilliance from Alvito D’Cunha, whose stunning strike sealed a 3-1 victory. East Bengal lifted the ASEAN Cup, the first and only Indian team to do so.

Impact beyond the trophy

The ASEAN Cup victory was more than just a trophy; it was a turning point for Indian football. For the first time, an Indian club had shown they could compete with Asia’s elite. The triumph put East Bengal on the map and gave hope to countless Indian football fans.

Players like Bhaichung Bhutia, who won the Golden Boot, and Mike Okoro were instrumental in the victory. But it wasn’t just about individual brilliance. This team, under Bhowmick’s watchful eye, clicked as a unit. They weren’t just playing for East Bengal; they were playing for Indian football. Sandeep Nandy’s penalty heroics in the semi-final shootout and the leadership of captain Suley Musah made it a truly unforgettable campaign.