Desperate to end the Durand Cup on a positive note, Bhowmick made six changes to the starting eleven that lost to Lajong. But none worked.

Mahindra, however, put up a much-improved performance as compared to their barren draw against Lajong.

East Bengal started off well and were in complete control in the first 15 minutes but as the game progressed the Kolkata outfit lost pace and control. Their Argentine recruit Sebastian Omar Monesterolo was listless upfront along with his partner Subhash Singh.

The only noticeable performance came from newly appointed captain Syed Rahim Nabi, who was effective in his role of a wing-back, after spending the first match on the bench.

After a goalless first half, Mahindra came back strongly and India international Steven Dias with his precise crosses kept both Rafi and Sushil Kumar busy.

Rafi broke the deadlock after he headed in from Dias' cross in the 63rd minute and three minutes later doubled the lead after he slotted in from a rebound off Sushant Matthew's shot to stun the East Bengal bench.