Mohun Bagan held on to their slender one-goal advantage to begin the season with a hard-fought victory over their arch-rivals.
Sanchita chatterjee Kolkata, July 25, 2026: Sahal Abdul Samad’s second half strike ensured Mohun Bagan Super Giant secure a hard fought 1-0 victory over their arch rivals East Bengal FC in the opening fixture of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup which was played here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. All 43 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network well and streamed live on SonyLIV Antonio López Habas and Panagiotis Dilimperis both named all-Indian starting line-ups in their first matches in charge of their respective clubs. Defenders Anwar Ali for East Bengal and the experienced Subhasish Bose for Mohun Bagan Super Giant led their respective sides onto the pitch for the opening match of the season in front of a passionate and vocal crowd. Mohun Bagan started the match on the front foot, making good use of the right flank through the pace of right-back Tekcham Abhishek Singh. Their first chance came in similar fashion ...