Kolkata, July 25: Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half strike proved decisive as Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated arch-rivals East Bengal FC 1-0 in the opening match of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.
The Kolkata derby marked the beginning of this year’s Durand Cup campaign, with both new head coaches opting to field all-Indian starting line-ups. East Bengal were led by defender Anwar Ali, while experienced centre-back Subhasish Bose captained Mohun Bagan in front of a packed and passionate crowd.
Mohun Bagan made the brighter start and dominated possession throughout the opening half. Much of their attacking threat came down the right flank through Tekcham Abhishek Singh, whose dangerous deliveries repeatedly tested the East Bengal defence.
The Mariners came close on several occasions, with Manvir Singh glancing a header into the side netting before Kiyan Nassiri failed to trouble goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill with a tame effort. Sahal Abdul Samad was also lively in attack, forcing one save from Gill before another attempt drifted wide.
Despite registering 10 shots compared to East Bengal’s two, Mohun Bagan were unable to find a breakthrough before half-time as Anwar Ali and Sandip Mandi marshalled the Red and Gold Brigade’s defence effectively.
The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes after the restart. Kiyan Nassiri won possession inside the penalty area before sending a low cross across the face of goal. Sahal arrived unmarked at the far post to tap home from close range and hand the Mariners a deserved lead in the 52nd minute.
Trailing by a goal, East Bengal introduced Mohamad Rashid and P.V. Vishnu in search of an equaliser, while Mohun Bagan responded by bringing on Dejan Dražić and Deepak Tangri to reinforce their side.
The substitutions sparked East Bengal into life as they gradually took control of the contest. Vishnu forced Vishal Kaith into his first meaningful save of the evening with a powerful low drive, while the arrival of Dani Ramírez added further creativity to the attack.
The Red and Gold Brigade dominated the closing stages, creating a series of promising opportunities. Lalchungnunga surged down the right and forced another fine save from Kaith before Mohamad Rashid failed to connect cleanly with the rebound.
Ramírez came closest to restoring parity when his clever near-post effort struck the upright, while Kaith once again came to Mohun Bagan’s rescue by producing an outstanding save to deny Rashid’s acrobatic volley. From the resulting corner, Anwar Ali rose highest but directed his header wide of the target.
Despite sustained late pressure from East Bengal, Mohun Bagan defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage and begin their Durand Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over their biggest rivals.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup continues on Sunday with Jamshedpur FC taking on Defenders FC of Sri Lanka in Ranchi at 5 pm, while Indian Army FT face Samaleswari Sporting in Kolkata at 7.30 pm.
