Mohun Bagan Edge East Bengal in Drab Derby Courtesy of Sahal's Winner

Mohun Bagan began their Durand Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal in a lacklustre Kolkata derby, with Sahal Abdul Samad scoring the only goal of the match.

Although both teams introduced their foreign recruits in the second half, the starting line-ups featured only Indian players. The opening 45 minutes lacked intensity and quality, reflecting the fact that both sides had only been training together for a few days.

It was evident throughout the first half that neither team was fully match-ready. However, Mohun Bagan looked the more settled of the two. Having retained a stronger core from last season, the Mariners enjoyed greater control and created the better chances.

Sahal came close after turning inside the box but failed to get a clean shot away. Moments later, Abhishek's inviting cross found Kiyan Nassiri, whose header went straight into the hands of East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill. Sahal also burst into the penalty area on another occasion but dragged his effort wide of the near post.

East Bengal's best opportunity before the break came on the counterattack. Rohit Danu produced a brilliant defence-splitting pass to release David, but the forward failed to capitalise on the opening.

The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute. Kiyan delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank, and Sahal timed his run perfectly to finish clinically and give Mohun Bagan the lead.

The goal finally sparked East Bengal into life. Jixson Singh and his teammates pushed forward with urgency, creating several promising opportunities. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was forced into two excellent saves to preserve his side's advantage, while Rashid squandered a golden chance by firing a straightforward opportunity wide.

Interestingly, after taking the lead, Mohun Bagan dropped deeper and invited sustained pressure instead of looking for a second goal.

Around the midway point of the second half, Mohun Bagan coach Antonio Habas introduced Rashid and Ramírez, while East Bengal coach Óscar Bruzón Panos responded by bringing on foreign signings Dragić and Rodríguez. The substitutions added some energy to the contest but failed to alter the outcome.

Before scoring, Habas had instructed his side to attack cautiously and rely on quick counterattacks. More surprising, however, was East Bengal's approach after falling behind. Despite Panos being known for his attacking philosophy, his side struggled to maintain sustained offensive pressure when it mattered most. That conservative approach could easily have cost Mohun Bagan had East Bengal been more clinical in front of goal.

In the end, Mohun Bagan held firm to secure a narrow but significant victory, claiming the bragging rights in the season's first Kolkata derby and gaining an early advantage in the Durand Cup.