Kolkata, July 25 -- Sahal Abdul Samad's second-half strike ensured Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the opening fixture of the 135th Durand Cup, which was played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.

Antonio Lopez 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, according to a press release.

Mohun Bagan started the match on the front foot, making good use of ...