Hamid Ahadad’s Dream Debut: East Bengal Clinch Crucial Victory in Durand Cup Opener

In a night to remember at the Salt Lake Stadium, Hamid Ahadad announced his arrival in Indian football with a sensational debut goal that powered East Bengal to a crucial 1-0 win in their Durand Cup 2025 opener. The Moroccan forward’s strike in the second half proved to be the match-winner, helping the Red and Gold brigade start their campaign on a high note and setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying tournament.

A Star is Born: Hamid Ahadad’s Clinical Finish

Making his first appearance in East Bengal colours, Hamid Ahadad lived up to expectations, showcasing his pace, positioning, and sharp instincts in front of goal. In the 67th minute, Ahadad latched onto a perfectly timed through-ball from midfielder Nandhakumar Sekar, beating the offside trap and calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

The goal was met with thunderous cheers from the home crowd, as East Bengal fans witnessed the birth of a potential new hero. It wasn’t just the goal — Ahadad’s movement and ability to stretch the opposition defence gave glimpses of a striker who could be a vital asset in the games to come.

Solid Team Effort and Tactical Discipline

While Ahadad’s debut goal was the highlight, the victory was also built on defensive discipline and smart midfield control. Coach Carles Cuadrat opted for a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing his side to stay compact without sacrificing attacking ambition.

Veteran centre-back Harmanjot Khabra marshalled the backline with authority, ensuring that the opposition had very few clear chances throughout the game. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill remained largely untested but showed confidence when called upon during late pressure from the opponents.

Durand Cup: More Than Just a Trophy

The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, holds historic significance for Indian football, and clubs like East Bengal have long treated it as a symbol of pride. A good run in this tournament not only helps build momentum ahead of the Indian Super League season but also offers an opportunity for fringe players and new signings to prove their worth.

Ahadad’s early impact is especially crucial as East Bengal looks to rebuild and challenge for silverware this year after a mixed ISL campaign.

Coach’s Verdict: Encouraging Signs Early On

Speaking after the match, head coach Carles Cuadrat expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.

“We saw good intensity and defensive stability. Hamid showed why we brought him here — he has the killer instinct inside the box. It’s a long tournament, and this is just the beginning, but it’s a positive one.”

Cuadrat emphasized that while the win was crucial, maintaining consistency would be key if East Bengal hopes to go deep in the competition.

What’s Next for East Bengal?

With the three points in the bag, East Bengal now turns its attention to its next group stage match, where they face a tougher opponent in what could be a deciding fixture for qualification. All eyes will be on whether Hamid Ahadad can continue his goal-scoring form, and whether the team can build on this encouraging start.

A New Chapter Begins

East Bengal’s Durand Cup 2025 campaign has begun on a promising note, and the early signs suggest this could be a breakthrough season — especially with a player like Hamid Ahadad making an immediate impact. For fans, the excitement is palpable. For rivals, the warning has been issued.

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