A debut goal from Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad proved the difference as Emami East Bengal FC overcame a stubborn Namdhari FC 1-0 in the Durand Cup. Niraj Kumar’s heroics kept Namdhari in the game, but the Red and Gold Brigade’s persistence paid off to keep them top of Group A.

East Bengal Women add firepower by signing Fazila, Shilky, and Payal, and extend contracts of 14 core players to build on their domestic double ahead of the AFC Women’s Champions League.