NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 10 August 2026 — 3 min read

Mohun Bagan Super Giant advanced to the quarter-finals of the 135th Durand Cup following a commanding 6-0 victory over CISF Protectors. The match, held in Kolkata on Monday, saw Mohun Bagan finish at the top of Group A with a perfect record.

Sahal Abdul Samad was a key player, achieving a hat-trick in the first half with goals in the 17th, 19th, and 37th minutes. Other goal scorers for Mohun Bagan included Manvir Singh in the 24th minute, Jamie Maclaren in the 68th minute, and Tekcham Abhishek Singh in the 73rd minute. This result meant CISF Protectors exited the tournament without securing any points.

Dominant First Half Performance

Mohun Bagan Super Giant demonstrated their attacking intent from the start, despite initial resistance from the CISF defence. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Dejan Dražić delivered a pass from his own half to Tekcham Abhishek Singh. His effort took a deflection, leading to Liston Colaco squaring the ball for Sahal Abdul Samad to score the opening goal.

Just two minutes later, Mohun Bagan extended their lead. Manvir Singh provided a pass to Dražić on the right, who then crossed the ball for Sahal to tap in his second goal. Manvir himself added to the scoreline in the 24th minute, controlling a cross from Tekcham before finding the net to make it 3-0.

Sahal Abdul Samad completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute. He gained possession near the halfway line, navigated past several defenders, and slotted a right-footed finish into the goal. Mohun Bagan maintained significant possession, holding 75 percent in the first half, and went into the interval with a four-goal advantage.

Continued Pressure and Further Goals

Despite four changes made by coach Panagiotis Dilimperis at halftime, Mohun Bagan continued to control the game. Both Manvir and Liston had opportunities before the team secured their fifth goal. Sahal delivered a through ball to substitute Maclaren, who then scored by slotting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

The final goal of the match came from Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who combined with Liston before finishing into the roof of the net, completing the 6-0 victory. Towards the end of the game, CISF Protectors attempted to create chances through Gaurab Das and Gurpal Singh, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Syed Zahid Hussain maintained a strong defence.

This win ensured Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their quarter-final spot, having already won their initial two matches in the group stage. The CISF Protectors, on the other hand, concluded their campaign after experiencing consecutive defeats in the tournament.

Other Tournament Results

In another match, SC Delhi also secured their place in the quarter-finals as winners of Group C. They achieved a 7-1 victory over Indian Air Force FT in Ranchi. Juan Sebastián Peña scored twice for SC Delhi, with additional goals from Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Clarence Savio Fernandes, and Richard Ndayishimiye.

Samuel K. Vanlalpeka scored the lone goal for Indian Air Force. SC Delhi concluded their group stage with a perfect record of three wins and nine points. Indian Air Force remained third in their group with three points from two matches and are scheduled to play Jamshedpur FC in their final group fixture on August 13.

Source: theprint.in