Mohun Bagan secures victory over East Bengal in Durand Cup opener
Mohun Bagan Super Giant began their Durand Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory against rivals East Bengal. The match, held at the Salt Lake Stadium, saw Sahal Abdul Samad score the decisive goal in the 52nd minute. This result marked a winning start for Mohun Bagan’s new coach, Panagiotis Dilberis, whose team displayed both clinical finishing and strong defensive play.
The winning goal originated from high pressing by Mohun Bagan. Youngster Kiyan Nassiri gained possession near the edge of the East Bengal penalty area. He then drove to the byline and delivered the ball across the six-yard box. Manvir Singh attempted a backheel, but the ball came loose, allowing Sahal to calmly convert into an open net.
Match Dynamics and Defensive Efforts
Mohun Bagan maintained an organized structure throughout the match, balancing disciplined defense with purposeful attacking football. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith played a key role, marshalling the backline effectively and making crucial saves. Defenders, led by Rahul Bheke, consistently held their ground against East Bengal’s threats.
In contrast, Antonio Habas‘s first match as coach for East Bengal resulted in a defeat, despite an improved performance in the second half. The initial half of the game was evenly contested, with Mohun Bagan having more possession. East Bengal, the reigning ISL champions, showed potential on counterattacks at various points.
Neither team managed to create a clear scoring opportunity before halftime, as early-season rustiness was evident in both attacking lines, despite the high intensity of the derby. Both defensive units remained compact and disciplined, limiting the rhythm of the forwards.
East Bengal’s Late Push and Kaith’s Crucial Save
East Bengal intensified their efforts in the final 15 minutes, dominating possession and pushing for an equalizer, which forced Mohun Bagan deeper into their own half. Jeakson Singh attempted a long ball to release P.V. Vishnu, but the pass went out of play. Shortly after, Mohammed Rashid received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and struck a first-time volley, which was blocked by a timely sliding tackle from Deepak Tangri.
The closest East Bengal came to leveling the score was in the 87th minute when Vishnu delivered a cross from the left. Dani Ramirez made a delicate touch at the near post, but the ball hit the outside of the upright and went wide.
Kaith then made a critical save in the second minute of stoppage time. Ramirez floated a cross to the far post, where Rashid connected from close range. However, the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper reacted swiftly, diving to his right to make a point-blank stop, thereby securing his team’s victory and preserving the clean sheet.
Upcoming Durand Cup Fixtures
Following this match, the action for the Durand Cup is set to move to Ranchi. On Sunday, Jamshedpur FC will face defending champions NorthEast United FC in a Group C fixture. Ranchi is hosting the Durand Cup for the first time, with Group C matches scheduled at Birsa Munda Stadium from Sunday until August 16. The Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, is expected to inaugurate the tournament in Ranchi.
Group C includes Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force, and defending champions Defenders FC from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. Jamshedpur FC will play against Defenders FC in Ranchi’s opening fixture. In addition to Ranchi, matches for the tournament will also be held in Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal.
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri confirmed that security and medical arrangements, including ambulances, doctors, and medicines, would be in place for the matches in Ranchi. Spectators are not permitted to bring weapons, crackers, large bags, food, alcohol, tobacco products, drones, professional cameras, laptops, high-capacity power banks, air horns, laser pointers, or aerosol sprays into the stadium. Traffic police have designated three parking areas for vehicles arriving from various locations around Ranchi.
Source: theprint.in
