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.

The 2025 Durand Cup kicks off on July 23 with East Bengal FC facing South United FC in Kolkata. Full fixture list, knockout dates, and team details released as India’s oldest tournament returns.