Sahal abdul
Image Source: IANS
135th Durand Cup: Mohun Bagan Prevail Over East Bengal In Hard-fought Opener
Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half strike ensured Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their archrivals East Bengal FC in the opening fixture of the 135th Durand Cup, which was played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
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 as Abhishek delivered a curling cross towards the near post for Manvir Singh, whose glancing header found only the side netting.
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