Mohun Bagan produced a clinical performance to see off East Bengal in the Durand Cup opener

Mohun Bagan Super Giant started their Durand Cup campaign on a winning note by defeating bitter rivals East Bengal 1-0 in a fierce Kolkata derby at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half goal separated the two sides, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced a series of crucial saves to ensure Mohun Bagan walked away with all three points and a clean sheet.

The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute after Mohun Bagan forced a turnover high up the pitch. Youngster Kiyan Nassiri took on an East Bengal defender near the penalty area before bursting to the touchline and sending a low cross across the face of goal. Manvir Singh tried a back heel contact so the ball trickled through to Sahal who made no mistake with a finish into the empty net.

DURAND CUP: FULL COVERAGE

The win gave new head coach Panagiotis Dilberis the ideal start to his tenure, with Mohun Bagan looking well-drilled defensively and balanced in possession throughout the contest. Kaith was a dominant presence in goal while Rahul Bheke effectively ran the backline as Mohun Bagan restricted East Bengal to very few clear cut opportunities.

It was a disappointing first outing under Antonio Habas for East Bengal, although his side improved noticeably after the break and enjoyed constant pressure in search of an equaliser.

The first half offered plenty of intensity, but little scoring action. Mohun Bagan controlled more possession while East Bengal relied on quick transitions to threaten on the break. However, both teams hardly created any meaningful chances as the defensive lines remained compact.

East Bengal upped the tempo in the closing stages and pinned Mohun Bagan back in their own half. Jeakson Singh tried to catch PV Vishnu with a long pass from deep but his move failed as the ball ran wide of its target.

Moments later, Mohammed Rashid latched on to a loose ball outside the area and unleashed a powerful first try, but Deepak Tangri pounced into the path of the shot with a vital sliding save.

The red and gold brigade came a few centimeters closer to equalizing in the 87th minute, when Vishnu sent in a dangerous cross from the left. Dani Ramirez skilfully fired at the near post, but his effort brushed the outside of the post and went wide.

Kaith then sealed victory for Mohun Bagan with a stunning save in stoppage time. Ramirez’s cross found Rashid at close range but the keeper reacted instinctively, darting to his right to keep out the effort and deny East Bengal a dramatic late equaliser.

The tournament continues on Sunday in Ranchi where defending champions NorthEast United FC will take on Jamshedpur FC in Group C.

– The end

Published on:

25 Jul 2026 22:01 IST