The iconic Boro Match has left Kolkata five times in recent years—let’s revisit the moments that kept the rivalry alive outside its heartland
The Kolkata Derby, often known as the “Boro Match,” is an iconic event in Indian football. Typically, the roars of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC fans reverberate across Kolkata, yet this historic clash is sometimes played far from home. The coming match on January 11, which has been moved to Guwahati, joins the unusual list of derbies played outside the city.
What triggers these relocations? The reasons vary, including security considerations, pandemic limits, and unique competitions. While the Mariners enter this Derby in scorching form, having won eight of their past ten games, Oscar Bruzon’s Red & Gold Brigade has been revitalised and displays remarkable resilience. Let’s go back in time and look at the previous five Derby exits from Kolkata.
A friendly fight: Lucknow, 2024, exhibition match, Chief Minister’s Cup
When the Derby featured in the Chief Minister’s Cup, it entered unknown terrain. This friendly concluded in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Mohun Bagan’s Suhail Bhat and East Bengal’s Muhammed K. Ashique. The true drama emerged in penalties, as Mohun Bagan defeated their opponents 3-2. Despite the paucity of stakes, the passion was undeniable, indicating that the Derby spirit does not fade with distance.
This was a match to remember for East Bengal supporters. The Red & Gold Brigade had a dominant performance, winning 3-1. Cleiton Silva’s brace and Nanda Kumar Sekar’s goal stunned the Mariners, who only got one goal from Hector Yuste. This triumph proved East Bengal’s ability to shock the odds in the most conclusive manner, even away from Kolkata.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ISL was staged solely in Goa, with matches in bio-bubbles and no fans. Mohun Bagan won the second leg by 3-1, owing to Kiyan Nassiri’s spectacular hat-trick. East Bengal’s Darren Sidoel scored early, but the Mariners’ teenage prodigy stole the show with late goals.
Earlier in the season, the Mariners dominated East Bengal 3-0, establishing their dominance in the same bio-bubble season. Liston Colaco, Roy Krishna, and David Williams were the night’s heroes. Mohun Bagan easily won, and the empty stands did nothing to discredit their superiority.
Date: February 19, 2021
Another battle during the epidemic, another victory for Mohun Bagan. With stellar performances from Roy Krishna, David Williams, and Javi Hernandez, the Mariners beat East Bengal 3-1. Tiri’s own goal briefly raised East Bengal’s hopes, but it could not stop the Mariners.
There are several unanswered issues as the Derby moves to Guwahati: Will East Bengal finally end their ISL curse against the Mariners? Will Mohun Bagan maintain their power? One thing is guaranteed regardless of the result: the Derby’s excitement is universal. The Boro Match is still a story of rivalry, pride, and relentless drama, whether it takes place in Kolkata, Goa, or Lucknow.
