Clinical Mohun Bagan beat rivals East Bengal 1-0 in Durand Cup opener

Mohun Bagan Super Giant combined clinical finishing with resolute defending to edge arch-rivals and East Bengal 1-0 in the pre-season derby that kicked off the Durand Cup to a rousing start at the Salt Lake Stadium, here on Saturday.
Sahal Abdul Samad's 52nd-minute strike proved decisive as Mohun Bagan made the most of their best opportunity, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced a commanding display between the posts to preserve the slender lead and secure a clean sheet.
The winning goal stemmed from relentless pressing high up the pitch.
Mohun Bagan youngster Kiyan Nassiri won possession on the edge of the East Bengal penalty area before driving to the byline and squaring the ball across the six-yard box where Manvir Singh attempted a clever backheel but failed to connect.
The loose ball rolled to Sahal, who calmly slotted into an unguarded net.
It marked a dream beginning for Greek tactician Panagiotis Dilberis, whose tenure got off to a winning start with an impressive defens