Mohun Bagan Super Giant started their 2026-27 football campaign on Saturday with a 1-0 win over their arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the blockbuster opening match of the 135th Durand Cup at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). The 52nd minute goal by midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad was the breakthrough in a high-octane Kolkata Derby that also marked the first managerial trials for new head coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Lopez Habas.
Tactical battles and a goalless first half. Both managers had all domestic starting XIs as most of their international players were absent because of late pre-season arrival. Dilmperis employed Mohun Bagan in a fluid 4-3-3 formation that often turned into a 4-2-3-1. The creative midfield trio of Anirudh Thapa, Apuia and Sahal were the driving force in the forward line with the pace and possession as wingers Kiyan Nassiri and Manvir Singh supported East Bengal’s defence.
Habas organized East Bengal into a disciplined, compact 4-4-2 block which could absorb early pressure and launch fast counter-attacks through David Lalhlansanga and Bipin Singh.
Mohun Bagan dominated the opening period and pushed their rivals deep into their own territory. In the 25th minute, the Mariners made strong penalty appeals when a long-range shot appeared to hit an East Bengal defender's outstretched hand but the referee waved play on. East Bengal struck back immediately when Lalhlansanga cut inside to try and go goalward with his shot blocked in a crowded box. Mohun Bagan had 10 shots in the first 45 minutes but could not break East Bengal's stubborn defence and the teams went to the interval at 0-0.
Sahal Breakthrough and Late Defensive Heroics. The deadlock was finally broken seven minutes into the second half. Kiyan Nassiri took a wonderful solo run down the right flank, flew past his marker and drilled a pinpoint low cross across the six-yard box. Sahal timed his run perfectly and slid in to tap home from close range and send the green-and-maroon faithful into raptures.
East Bengal had to chase the game as the team pushed more men forward and brought in attacking substitutes. While the tactical adjustment created opportunities for Mohun Bagan on the counter-attack, it also pinned the Mariners back in the closing stages as the match became more physical.
East Bengal came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 82nd minute when a vicious curling shot from outside the box beat goalkeeper Vishal Kaith but crashed squarely off the post. Four minutes later Mohammed Rashid appeared to score from point-blank range inside the area, but Deepak Tangri came up with a clinical last-ditch sliding block that preserved his side’s slender lead.
Group A Implications
The Mariners were able to hold on in the final five minutes of stoppage time to earn all three points and have their heads in front of Group A at the top of the table after the first round of matches. It is the victory that puts Mohun Bagan on top of the quarter-final qualification path. Their next two games against CISF Protectors and South United FC are the points to be taken in the next round.
East Bengal is in a very tough spot with no margin for error. They will have to win another two group games and get some good results elsewhere to remain in the top tier of tournaments.
