Mohun Bagan Triumphs Over Mohammedan Sporting in Durand Cup Opener

Exciting Start to the Durand Cup for Mohun Bagan

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] - On July 31, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a solid 3-1 victory against their city rivals, Mohammedan Sporting, marking a successful start to their 134th Durand Cup campaign at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium. The Group B encounter saw Liston Colaco score first for Bagan in the 23rd minute, but Ashley Alban Koli equalized for Mohammedan in the 50th minute.

Suhail Bhat netted the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, assisted by Liston, ensuring that the Green and Maroons walked away with all three points. This defeat marked the second consecutive loss for the Black and White brigade, diminishing their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Mohammedan's coach, Mehraj Wadoo, retained the same starting eleven that had performed admirably against Diamond Harbour in their last match. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan's Bastab Roy, despite missing some foreign players, fielded a strong lineup featuring Indian internationals like Vishal Kaith, Anirudh Thapa, and Liston.

The first opportunity of the match fell to Mohammedan when Ashley attempted a long-range shot in the 10th minute that struck the crossbar, nearly catching Kaith off guard. Just a minute later, Thapa's cross found Suhail, whose attempt hit the right post.

Bagan broke the deadlock with a well-placed free kick from Liston just outside the Mohammedan penalty area, leaving goalkeeper Subhajit helpless as the ball sailed over the wall.

As Bagan pressed for more, Kiyan Nassiri and Thapa both missed chances to extend the lead. The first half ended with Bagan leading by one goal, despite Apuia receiving a red card for a headbutt on Tangva Ragui.

After the break, Mohammedan came out with renewed energy and equalized when Lalthankima's powerful shot was poorly handled by Kaith, allowing Ashley to score.

Mohammedan nearly took the lead shortly after, but Sajal's shot was saved by Kaith, and Adison Singh's follow-up was blocked just in time.

Bagan regained their lead when Liston, after a brilliant run, assisted Suhail, who scored on the rebound after his initial shot was saved.

In the dying moments of the match, Liston was fouled in the box by Dinesh Meitei, and he converted the resulting penalty, sealing the victory for Bagan.