Kolkata, July 31: In the ongoing Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan SG played their opener against Mohammedan Sporting Club in a Kolkata Derby and sealed a 3–1 victory on Thursday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Mohun Bagan SG started the game with intent and created early opportunities to take the lead. In the 8th minute, a brilliant through ball found Kiyan Nassiri on the right flank, he sent cross to Suhail, but his header went off target, marking the first major scoring chance of the match.
Just two minutes later, Thapa delivered a precise pass from the left. Inside the box unmarked Suhail, once again , took a shot that hitted the post, another clear opportunity missed by Mohun Bagan SG.
Mohammedan responded with a counter-attack in the 11th minute. From the left edge of the box, Sajal Bag launched a powerful shot on target, forcing a strong save from Vishal Kaith. The rebound fell in the box to Ashley Koli, but Vishal was quick to react again, pulling off a double save to deny Mohammedan.
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Liston Colaco was brought down just outside the box by Joseph. From the resulting free-kick, Liston stepped up and sent it into the net with precision, giving Mohun Bagan SG a 1–0 lead.
The first half ended on a heated note. In the 42nd minute, a clash between Apuia and Thangva Ragui escalated after Ragui fouled Apuia from behind. Apuia reacted afterward, and the situation intensified with players from both sides getting involved. Eventually, Apuia was shown a red card, reducing Mohun Bagan SG to ten men just before halftime.
Despite being reduced to ten men late in the first half, Mohun Bagan SG continued to press forward in the second half. However, Mohammedan found the equaliser early after the break. In the 50th minute, a long-range shot from the right side by Lalthankima was punched away by Vishal Kaith, but the rebound fell inside the box. Ashley Koli was quick to react and slotted it into the frame making it 1–1.
Mohun Bagan SG responded strongly. In the 63rd minute, Suhail fired a shot from the left side. The goalkeeper punched it out, but Suhail followed up on the rebound and calmly placed it into the net to restore the lead for Mohun Bagan SG to make it 2–1.
The Mariners nearly extended their lead in the 66th minute when Kiyan Nassiri delivered a perfect pass to Suhail who was closed to score , but his shot went wide of the post. As the game went on and entered the final quarter, Mohammedan SC displayed urgency to get back into the game, but Vishal Kaith was alert enough to protect the lead.
As the game entered stoppage time, Liston Colaco launched a final attacking run. In the 90+5th minute, he was fouled inside the box by Dinesh Meitei. The referee awarded a penalty, and Liston stepped up and converted it with confidence to sealed the score 3-1 in favor of Mohun Bagan SG.
Previous season’s runners-up, Mohun Bagan SG, played their Durand Cup 2025–26 opener tonight with a full Indian squad and began their campaign with a Kolkata Derby win over Mohammedan SC. Despite suffering two consecutive losses and dealing with internal club issues, Mehrajuddin’s Black and White Army showcased a fighting performance. However, with two losses and zero points in Group B, and only one match remaining, there is no chance for Mohammedan SC to qualify for the next round.
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