Ahadad’s Debut Goal Sends East Bengal Top in Durand Cup Group Stage

A late strike from Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad helped Emami East Bengal FC edge past Namdhari Sports Academy 1-0 in a tightly contested Group A match of the 134th Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. The result puts East Bengal in pole position to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Ahadad, making his debut appearance after coming on as a 61st-minute substitute, needed just seven minutes to make his presence felt. Rising high to meet a corner from Miguel Damasceno, the Moroccan slotted home in the 68th minute to break the deadlock and seal a crucial win for his side.

“It was the perfect debut,” said Ahadad post-match. “I just focused on being in the right place and finishing the job for the team.”

East Bengal, fielding four foreign players, dominated proceedings from the start, enjoying nearly 70 percent of the possession. However, their control failed to translate into goals in the opening half. Brazilian forward Miguel Damasceno, who was a constant threat in the final third, struck the woodwork three times while Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar pulled off two spectacular saves to keep the scores level.

Coach Oscar Bruzon expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially praising Damasceno’s contribution. “Miguel showed great energy and technical quality. His deliveries and movement kept the opposition under pressure throughout,” Bruzon noted.

Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, who started the match, struggled to find rhythm and was eventually replaced by Ahadad, a move that proved decisive.

Namdhari, previously unbeaten in the tournament, adopted a cautious approach but failed to register a single shot on target. The loss drops them to second place in the group, tied on six points with East Bengal but behind on goal difference.

With this result, East Bengal now leads Group A and requires just a draw in their final group match against Indian Air Force to secure top spot and a berth in the knockout stage.

In another Group D encounter, Punjab FC and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team played out a goalless draw at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar. Despite Punjab FC’s dominance in terms of possession and chances, their forwards failed to convert, allowing ITBP to share the points. Both teams now sit level on four points and will face local side Bodoland FC in their concluding group matches.