Durand Cup 2025: Sahal's strike gives Mohun Bagan 1-0 win over East Bengal
Synopsis
The 135th Durand Cup opened with a classic Kolkata derby — and it was Sahal Abdul Samad who settled it. Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged East Bengal FC 1-0 at VYBK, with Vishal Kaith's late heroics proving just as decisive as the goal itself. Both new coaches fielded all-Indian XIs, signalling a bold early statement of intent.
Key Takeaways
Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat East Bengal FC 1-0 in the 135th Durand Cup opener on 25 July at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata .
Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal seven minutes into the second half, tapping in from a Kiyan Nassiri cutback.
Mohun Bagan had 10 first-half attempts to East Bengal's two but went into the break goalless.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a crucial late save to deny Mohamad Rashid an equaliser.
Dani Ramírez clipped the post for East Bengal in the closing stages, coming closest to levelling.
Both coaches — Antonio López Habas (East Bengal) and Panagiotis Dilimperis (Mohun Bagan) — named all-Indian starting line-ups on their competitive debuts.
Sahal Abdul Samad's second-half tap-in handed Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the opening fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday, 25 July. The Kolkata derby, played in front of a vocal, packed crowd, set the tone for one of Indian football's oldest cup competitions.
How the Goal Arrived
The deadlock was broken just seven minutes into the second half. Kiyan Nassiri dispossessed Rohit Danu inside the penalty area and drilled a low cross across the six-yard box. Sahal, arriving at the back post, had the simplest of finishes into an empty net — his reward for a lively display that included two first-half efforts.
Mohun Bagan's First-Half Dominance
The Mariners started on the front foot, exploiting the right flank through the pace of right-back Tekcham Abhishek Singh. They registered 10 attempts on goal in the first half compared to East Bengal's two, yet lacked the cutting edge to convert. Manvir Singh glanced a header wide from Abhishek's curling cross, while Nassiri's weak header was comfortably gathered by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Defenders Anwar Ali and Sandip Mandi marshalled East Bengal's backline resolutely, keeping the scoreline level at the break.
East Bengal's Second-Half Fightback
East Bengal head coach Antonio López Habas responded to going behind by introducing Mohamad Rashid and P.V. Vishnu, while Mohun Bagan manager Panagiotis Dilimperis brought on new signings Dejan Dražić and defensive midfielder Deepak Tangri. The Red and Gold Brigade grew into the match and created the better chances in the final quarter. Dani Ramírez, another new East Bengal signing, came agonisingly close to an equaliser, clipping the post after a clever near-post run to meet Vishnu's cross.
Kaith the Last Line of Defence
Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the hero in the closing stages, producing a superb save to deny Rashid's acrobatic effort after the midfielder was picked out unmarked at the back post by Ramírez. From the resulting corner, Anwar Ali rose highest but could not keep his header on target. Jessin T.K. also failed to direct a header on target as East Bengal's late siege ultimately came to nothing.
Coaches' Derby Debut and What's Next
Notably, both managers — Habas and Dilimperis — named all-Indian starting line-ups in their first competitive matches in charge of their respective clubs, with Anwar Ali and the experienced Subhasish Bose leading their sides out as captains. The result gives Mohun Bagan an early psychological edge in the 135th Durand Cup. The tournament continues on Sunday, 26 July, with Jamshedpur FC facing Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) at 5 PM at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi, and Indian Army FT taking on Samaleswari Sporting at 7:30 PM at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.
Point of View
And the team that chases runs out of time. What stands out is both coaches' decision to go all-Indian from the first whistle — a statement of domestic-player confidence that will be tested as the tournament progresses. Kaith's late save, more than Sahal's goal, may prove the defining moment of Mohun Bagan's cup campaign if they go deep.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal in the Durand Cup 2025 Kolkata derby?
Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal of the match seven minutes into the second half, tapping in from close range after Kiyan Nassiri's low cutback across the six-yard box. The goal gave Mohun Bagan Super Giant a 1-0 win over East Bengal FC.
Where and when was the 135th Durand Cup opener played?
The match was played on 25 July 2025 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata. It served as the opening fixture of the 135th edition of the Durand Cup.
How did Mohun Bagan's goalkeeper Vishal Kaith perform?
Vishal Kaith was outstanding in the closing stages, producing a crucial save to deny Mohamad Rashid's acrobatic effort when the East Bengal midfielder was unmarked at the back post. His performance was widely regarded as decisive in preserving the win.
Who are the new coaches of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in 2025?
Panagiotis Dilimperis is the new head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Antonio López Habas has taken charge of East Bengal FC. Both named all-Indian starting line-ups in their competitive debuts for their respective clubs.
What are the next matches in the 135th Durand Cup?
On 26 July, Jamshedpur FC face Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) at 5 PM at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi, and Indian Army FT take on Samaleswari Sporting at 7:30 PM at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
