Sahal leads Mohun Bagan to a win over East Bengal

Mohun Bagan Tremendous Big kicked off its Durand Cup marketing campaign with a 1-0 win over arch-rival East Bengal FC, courtesy of Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half strike within the Group A fixture right here on Saturday.

With either side lacking a number of first-team gamers, neither of them began with a foreigner. The opening interval was evenly contested as Bagan dominated possession whereas East Bengal regarded harmful on counter-attacks. Bagan created a number of openings however lacked sharpness within the remaining third.

Sahal got here up with a shot from contained in the field within the 18th minute, however goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill made a cushty save. The 29-year-old appealed for a penalty within the twenty fourth minute after his tried cross struck Jeakson Singh’s hand contained in the 18-yard field. The referee, nonetheless, waved off the attraction.

Bagan lastly broke the impasse seven minutes after the interval. Kiyan Nassiri gained possession close to the East Bengal penalty space and delivered a low cross after driving into the field. Manvir Singh failed to attach with an tried backheel flick, however Sahal arrived unmarked to fit residence the eventual winner.

East Bengal launched two foreigners — Mohammed Rashid and Daniel Ramirez — seeking an equaliser, however Bagan defended resolutely to protect its lead.

The end result: Mohun Bagan 1 (Sahal Abdul Samad 52) bt East Bengal 0.