East Bengal’s under-21 team fell to a 0-1 defeat against Crystal Palace’s under-18 side in their opening match of the Next Generation Cup 2024. Despite a strong start, East Bengal struggled to break down the Palace defense, while a late goal by Finley Marjoram secured the victory for the English side. The match concluded with a penalty shootout where Palace emerged victorious.
Three Indian teams, Punjab FC, East Bengal, and Muthoot FA, will compete in the Premier League Next Generation Cup, aiming to become the first Indian team to win the tournament. They will face stiff competition from academy sides of Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Everton, as well as South African club Stellenbosch FC.
