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 Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan today.
The victory handed new Mohun Bagan head coach Panagiotis Dilimperis a winning start, while East Bengal, under Antonio López Habas, were left to rue a series of missed opportunities in the closing stages of a fiercely contested Kolkata Derby.
Both coaches opted to field all-Indian starting line-ups for their first competitive match in charge of their respective clubs. East Bengal were led by defender Anwar Ali, while experienced centre-back Subhasish Bose captained the Mariners in front of a packed and vociferous crowd.
Mohun Bagan dominated possession from the outset and repeatedly threatened down the right flank through Tekcham Abhishek Singh. The right-back created the first opening of the game with a curling cross that Manvir Singh glanced into the side netting before setting up Kiyan Nassiri, whose header was comfortably collected by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Sahal Abdul Samad was also lively in the opening half, testing Gill with one effort before firing another into the side netting. Despite enjoying the bulk of possession and registering 10 attempts on goal to East Bengal’s two, Mohun Bagan were unable to find a breakthrough as Anwar Ali and Sandip Mandi marshalled the Red and Gold Brigade’s defence effectively, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes into the second half. Kiyan Nassiri dispossessed Rohit Danu inside the penalty area before driving a low cross across the face of goal. Sahal arrived unmarked at the far post to tap into an empty net and give Mohun Bagan a deserved lead.
Both managers responded with changes as the game opened up. Habas introduced Mohamad Rashid and P.V. Vishnu to add greater attacking impetus, while Dilimperis brought on Dejan Dražić and Deepak Tangri to reinforce his side.
East Bengal gradually grew into the contest and began creating meaningful chances. Vishnu forced Vishal Kaith into his first save of the evening with a powerful low drive, while the introduction of Dani Ramírez added creativity and urgency to the visitors’ attack.
The Red and Gold Brigade dominated the closing stages as Mohun Bagan retreated deep to protect their advantage. Lalchungnunga produced an impressive run down the right and forced a fine save from Kaith before Mohamad Rashid failed to make clean contact with the rebound.
East Bengal came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser. Jessin T.K. headed wide from a promising position before Ramírez struck the post after making a clever near-post run to meet Vishnu’s inviting cross.
Kaith then produced the save of the match, brilliantly denying Mohamad Rashid’s acrobatic effort after Ramírez had picked him out unmarked at the far post. From the ensuing corner, Anwar Ali rose highest but directed his header over the crossbar.
Despite sustained late pressure from East Bengal, Mohun Bagan defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage and claim derby honours in the opening fixture of the 135th Durand Cup.
