The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 kicked off on Saturday with three Indian Super League (ISL) sides in action. Kolkata giants East Bengal FC were held to a draw by I-League side Dempo SC, while fellow Kolkata club Mohun Bagan Super Giant made a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC.

East Bengal FC lose points against Dempo SC

Mohamed Ali gave Dempo SC a first-half lead before Naorem Mahesh Singh and Miguel Figueira turned the game around for East Bengal FC. But just when victory seemed secure, Laximanrao Rane struck late for Dempo SC to break the hearts of the Red and Gold Brigade.

East Bengal FC, who were Super Cup champions in 2024 and runners-up in the recent IFA Shield, entered Saturday’s contest as clear favourites. But Dempo, unbeaten in this season’s Goa Pro League and playing on home soil, refused to play to the script.

It was East Bengal FC, though, who came flying out of the blocks and should have been ahead within two minutes. Bipin Singh whipped in a low cross from the left, finding Hiroshi Ibusuki in space. But the Japanese striker’s first-time effort thundered against the crossbar.

Buoyed by the early opportunity, East Bengal FC began to maintain possession, dictate the tempo of the game and move the ball sharply through midfield. It was purposeful play, but the final product was missing as they wasted numerous chances.

Dempo, on the other hand, made the most of the opportunity they got in the 27th minute from a set-piece. Amay Morajkar floated a teasing free-kick into the box. East Bengal FC goalkeeper Debjit Majumder rushed off his line but completely misjudged the flight of the ball. In the ensuing chaos, the ball fell kindly to Mohamed Ali, who made no mistake, slotting into an empty net.

The goal shifted the momentum as Dempo SC grew into the game. Their defenders, compact and resolute, began to frustrate East Bengal FC, who went into half-time trailing 1-0 despite dominating most of the first half.

However, East Bengal FC regrouped and came out all guns blazing. Just a minute after the restart, East Bengal FC’s Miguel Figueira unleashed a stinging shot from distance. Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi parried it straight into the path of Naorem Mahesh Singh, who smashed home a grounded left-footer to level the score at 1-1.

The equaliser reignited East Bengal FC’s rhythm, and in the 57th minute, substitute Miguel Figueira produced a moment of individual brilliance. Lalchungnunga lofted a perfectly weighted ball over the Dempo defence on the left flank. Figueira sprinted onto it and, from a tight angle, struck a fierce bouncing shot that flew past Sibi into the far corner to give East Bengal FC the lead.

The Red and Gold Brigade pressed on, looking for the killer blow. In the 63rd minute, Mahesh Singh came agonisingly close to a third when his curling shot from a cleverly worked short corner rattled the outside of the post. Figueira had another golden opportunity in the 76th minute. Slipped through by Mahesh Singh inside the box, he tried to lift the ball over the onrushing Sibi, only for the goalkeeper to make a crucial touch and deny him.

As the minutes ticked away, Dempo SC refused to wilt. In the 89th minute, Laximanrao Rane received the ball at the edge of the East Bengal FC penalty area. Shielding it superbly from his marker, he swivelled and drilled a low shot toward the first post, which saw Majumder rooted to the spot as the ball nestled into the net to send the Dempo SC dugout into wild celebrations.

MBSG take all three points, courtesy of Maclaren's brace

Aussie forward Jamie Maclaren scored one in each half to give Mohun Bagan Super Giant a winning start in the AIFF Super Cup against Chennaiyin FC. The three points also meant the Mariners go to the top of the table after the opening day.

The game started in the rain, with the pitch in wet conditions. However, the ISL double winners, coming into the match on the back of winning the IFA Shield, controlled the game.

In the 38th minute, Liston Colaco played a perfect back-heel pass that reached Maclaren, who scored with a powerful shot into the net. Maclaren was practically unmarked and finished with his first touch, which goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz had no chance of stopping.

Earlier, Kolkata’s side had several scoring opportunities but failed to convert them. Just minutes before Maclaren’s goal, Chennaiyin FC midfielder Jiteshwor Singh had a shot perfectly aimed at goal, which Vishal Kaith brilliantly saved.

After the break, Chennaiyin FC tried to pull one back but were repeatedly blocked by Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s defence. For a brief period, Clifford Miranda’s team made it difficult for the Mariners to enter their half, and credit is due to them for that effort. However, they could not keep Kolkata’s side at bay for long.

MBSG doubled their lead in the 67th minute. This time, Manvir Singh found Maclaren in the centre of the box, and he made no mistake in slotting the ball into the net.

After this goal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant could no longer be stopped by their opponents. The green-maroon side had several opportunities to extend the lead. Six minutes before full time, Jason Cummings, who had come on for Maclaren, had a curling shot that lacked power, allowing the goalkeeper to save it.

In the final moments, Chennaiyin FC had a chance to reduce the deficit, but a long-range shot hit the outside of the post and went out. The Mariners will next take on Dempo SC on Tuesday, while Chennaiyin FC will face East Bengal FC in the earlier fixture on the same day.

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Mohun Bagan Super GiantEast Bengal FC2025-26Chennaiyin FC