Sahal strike seals Mohun Bagan 1-0 victory over East Bengal in Durand Cup opener

Sahal Abdul Samad's 52nd-minute strike proved decisive as Mohun Bagan edged East Bengal 1-0 in the Durand Cup opener. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a series of important saves to help Mohun Bagan keep a clean sheet.

The opening fixture of the Durand Cup featured the two Kolkata rivals facing off, with Mohun Bagan emerging with a narrow win. The match’s only goal arrived shortly after the interval when Sahal Abdul Samad found the net in the 52nd minute. From that point, Mohun Bagan defended their lead through the remainder of the contest, supported by Vishal Kaith’s goalkeeping contributions.

Sahal Abdul Samad’s decisive moment came in the 52nd minute and stood as the match-winner. It was the only goal of the encounter, separating the sides on the scoreboard. That solitary strike was enough to deliver victory to Mohun Bagan in the tournament opener.

Between the posts, Vishal Kaith was identified as a key figure for Mohun Bagan. He made a series of important saves to help Mohun Bagan keep a clean sheet. Those saves preserved the team’s advantage after Sahal’s goal and prevented East Bengal from levelling.

East Bengal were unable to break the deadlock and finished the match without a goal. Mohun Bagan’s defence remained organized for the closing stages, ensuring the 1-0 result held. The match concluded with Mohun Bagan securing the narrow win in this Durand Cup opener.

Mohun Bagan’s victory was defined by Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half goal and the defensive work led by Vishal Kaith. The fixture ended 1-0, with Mohun Bagan claiming the win over East Bengal in the competition’s opening match.