Kolkata: It’s a rare occurrence to see an all-Indian starting eleven in a Kolkata derby. However, this was the case during the opening match of the 135th Durand Cup, which kicked off the new season at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Event Context
Several players who took the field for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal are set to be part of their squads for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The pre-season tournament serves as a vital opportunity for these athletes to impress coaches Panagiotis Dilmperis and Antonio Lopez Habas and potentially secure their places.
The Durand Cup kicked off with a easy goal, but scoring against the reigning ISL champions held significant meaning for both the player and the fans, who turned out in good numbers just days after the World Cup concluded. The goal occurred in the 53rd minute when East Bengal attempted to build play from the back but lost control of the ball.
While playing out from the back isn’t a common strategy for ISL teams under Habas, it may reflect the tactics used during Oscar Bruzon’s title-winning season. Both Dilmperis and Habas have recently taken charge at East Bengal, with Habas using the derby as an opportunity to evaluate players like Rohit Kumar, Rohit Danu, Sandip Mandi, and placing Edmund Lalrindika in support of lone striker David Lalhlansanga.
As East Bengal sought to turn the game around, Habas introduced PV Vishnu, Mohamad Rashid, and Daniel Fernandez, giving a glimpse of what the team could look like when the ISL begins, or if they advance far in this tournament. In response, Dilmperis allowed Dezan Drazic, one of Mohun Bagan’s key signings this off-season, to play for just over 30 minutes.
Player Focus
Sahal Abdul Samad will aim to secure Mohun Bagan’s bragging rights with a crucial goal in the match. During the condensed 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Samad managed just five starts and came off the bench six times. One notable substitute appearance occurred against Punjab FC, his previous club. In that thrilling 3-2 comeback victory, Samad netted a stunning long-range shot, marking his sole goal of the season.
Making the most of a rare starting opportunity, Kiyan Nassiri managed to dislodge Rohit Kumar from the ball, advanced forward, and delivered a square pass that was intended for either Manvir Singh or Samad. Although Singh missed the opportunity, he distracted a defender, allowing Samad to score. “It was a team goal,” Samad remarked about his first derby goal.
Coach Habas expressed mixed emotions, stating, “I am frustrated with the result but pleased with the performance as I am still getting to know the team. We created seven or eight significant scoring chances; their goalkeeper played a crucial role in their success.” Dilmperis noted that dropping deep wasn’t part of their strategy, citing that the players weren’t physically or mentally prepared due to only having three training sessions.
While East Bengal improved as the match progressed, Mohun Bagan dominated the early stages. Tekcham connected with Nassiri, Colaco attempted a header, and Samad struck the side-netting. However, typical of an attacking full-back’s play, Lalhlansanga exploited the space left by Tekcham, requiring a crucial block from Rahul Bheke to maintain parity until halftime.
Team Analysis
Drazic’s arrival has prompted a shift for Liston Colaco, moving him to the right side of the field, similar to how they operated last season to accommodate Robson. This change may lead to Singh losing his spot in the starting lineup. Last season, at 30 years old, Singh managed only seven starts, primarily due to Colaco’s position on the right, while spots for striker were filled by Jamie MacLaren, Jason Cummings, or Dimitrios Petratos.
With MacLaren still yet to join the team, Singh took up his familiar role as a targetman for India. Unfortunately, apart from a header from an Abhishek Tekcham cross, his performance was rather quiet. With Mohun Bagan also signing Lallinazuala Chhangte, the upcoming Durand Cup presents a vital opportunity for Singh to prove himself capable of more than just being an impact substitute after six years at the club.
In the match, Rashid forced a strong save from Vishal Kaith, who later had to stretch to prevent a shot from Lalchungnunga in the 80th minute. As East Bengal pushed for dominance in possession during the second half, Mohun Bagan opted to sit back, allowing Fernandez to come close with a shot that clipped the outside of the post.
