Sahal Sinks East Bengal as Mohun Bagan Clinch Bragging Rights in Durand Cup 2026 Opener

by Chandler D'silva July 27, 2026

The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup began in fitting fashion as Indian football’s fiercest rivalry took centre stage, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant edging arch-rivals East Bengal FC 1-0 in a gripping Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.

For the first time in the tournament’s illustrious history, the Durand Cup opened with the iconic Kolkata Derby, setting the tone for a new domestic football season in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium. The contest lived up to its billing, delivering intensity, fierce challenges and end-to-end football, before Sahal Abdul Samad’s decisive second-half strike separated the two sides.

Both teams entered the encounter under new head coaches, with Panagiotis Dilmperis taking charge of Mohun Bagan while Antonio López Habas began his latest spell with East Bengal. Despite limited pre-season preparation, the two Kolkata giants showcased the passion and competitiveness that have defined one of Asian football’s greatest rivalries for over a century.

The opening exchanges saw both sides look to settle into the contest, with East Bengal enjoying spells of possession while Mohun Bagan threatened on the break. Chances came at either end, but disciplined defending and alert goalkeeping ensured the deadlock remained intact heading into the interval.

The decisive moment arrived seven minutes into the second half. High pressing from Mohun Bagan forced East Bengal into a costly turnover deep inside their own half before Kiyan Nassiri raced down the right flank and delivered a dangerous low cross into the six-yard area. Although Manvir Singh failed to make clean contact with an attempted backheel, the ball rolled perfectly into the path of Sahal Abdul Samad, who calmly slotted home from close range to hand the Mariners a crucial lead.

Trailing by a goal, East Bengal responded with urgency and pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The Red and Gold Brigade created several promising opportunities during the closing stages, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stood tall when his side needed him most. The India international produced a series of crucial saves while the Mariners’ defence absorbed relentless pressure to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle.

For Mohun Bagan, the victory not only secured three valuable points in Group A but also extended their dominance in one of Indian football’s most celebrated rivalries. Sahal’s composed finish, Nassiri’s determination in creating the goal and Kaith’s commanding display between the posts proved to be the defining factors in an otherwise evenly contested affair.

While East Bengal will take encouragement from their attacking intent and improved second-half display, missed opportunities ultimately proved costly. Habas’ side now faces the challenge of bouncing back quickly as the group stage progresses.

As fireworks lit up the Kolkata sky and thousands of supporters created a spectacular atmosphere inside the Salt Lake Stadium, the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup could hardly have asked for a more dramatic curtain-raiser. The Kolkata Derby once again reminded Indian football why it remains the country’s biggest club rivalry, with Mohun Bagan drawing first blood in the race for this year’s Durand Cup crown.

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