Mohun Bagan Super Giant began its Durand Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought solitary-goal win over arch-rival East Bengal, courtesy of a second-half strike from Sahal Abdul Samad.
The defeat came as a setback for East Bengal, which was making its first appearance on the national stage after winning the Indian Super League. However, the scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of the contest, as both teams fielded depleted squads with several first-team players yet to join the camp.
The opening half was evenly contested, with Mohun Bagan enjoying greater possession while East Bengal looked threatening on counterattacks. The Mariners created a few promising opportunities but lacked the sharpness in the final third. Deployed in a more advanced role by new Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, Sahal came closest in the 18th minute, only to see his effort comfortably saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukan Gill.
AS IT HAPPENED | EAST BENGAL VS MOHUN BAGAN HIGHLIGHTS
Sahal appealed strongly for a penalty in the 24th minute after his attempted cross struck East Bengal defender Jeakson Singh’s hand inside the penalty area. The referee, however, overruled the appeal, saying that Jeakson’s arm was in a natural position. With neither side starting any foreign players, much of the first-half action remained concentrated in midfield.
Mohun Bagan finally found the breakthrough seven minutes after the interval. Kiyan Nassiri won possession near the edge of the East Bengal box before driving forward and delivering a fine low cross. Manvir Singh’s attempted back-heel flick missed the ball, allowing Sahal to arrive unmarked and calmly finish from close range.
East Bengal introduced its available foreign recruits - Palestine playmaker Basim Rashid and Spanish midfielder Daniel Ramirez - in search of the equaliser.
Mohun Bagan later responded by bringing on its own foreign players, Spanish defender Alberto Rodríguez and Serbian midfielder Dejan Drazic, to reinforce the side.
East Bengal substitutes Ramirez, Rashid, P.V. Vishnu and Jesin TK increased the pressure in the closing stages, but Mohun Bagan’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, held firm to preserve the narrow lead and secure all three points in the first Kolkata derby of the new season.
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Published on Jul 25, 2026