East Bengal FC Edges Closer to Durand Cup Knockouts

East Bengal FC clinched a 1-0 win against Namdhari FC at the 134th Durand Cup, thanks to a decisive goal by debutant Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad. With this victory, East Bengal leads Group A, setting sights on the knockout stage, while Namdhari remains in the fray.

East Bengal FC moved a step closer to the knockout stage of the 134th Durand Cup, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Namdhari FC in a highly competitive Group A encounter on Wednesday. Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad buoyed the team's efforts, scoring the crucial goal off the bench in the 68th minute during his debut for the Red and Gold brigade at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium.

East Bengal's head coach Oscar Bruzon made tactical changes in the lineup from their previous match, introducing new starters Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in goal, Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, and the striking duo of Greek Dimitrios Diamantakos and Bipin Singh. Namdhari, however, faced constraints, with Harpreet Singh implementing two enforced changes, including bringing in captain Akashdeep Singh and forward Manish Chaudhary, owing to suspended defender Manbir Singh's absence.

The game commenced with East Bengal asserting dominance, consistently pressing into Namdhari's half. Despite numerous threatening chances, including attempts thwarted by an inspired Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar, the first half concluded goalless. However, Ahadad's strategic entrance and subsequent goal proved pivotal, propelling East Bengal to a crucial win and the top spot in Group A, with Namdhari still vying for a spot in the quarterfinals as one of the best second-place teams.

(With inputs from agencies.)