East Bengal became the first Indian team to qualify for the AFC Cup knock-out round with an unbeaten record after thrashing Vietnam outfit Sai Gon Xuan Thanh 4-1 in their concluding Group H league match at the Vivekananda Yubabharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.
FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) entered the knockout stage of the Durand Cup after beating Indian Air Force 4-2 in a thrilling Group A match at the Kalyani Stadium on Thursday.
Bogged down by inefficient administration and unable to attract financing, the once legendary football clubs of Kolkata are fading into irrelevance.