The Hero I-League kicked off on Saturday with nine teams vying for the highly coveted trophy in India. Both reigning champions Mohun Bagan and their title rivals from last season Bengaluru FC began their season with a win. Kingfisher East Bengal also moved ahead with a come-from-behind victory.

Mohun Bagan registered a 3-1 victory against newcomers Aizawl FC. A brace from Glenn Cornell and a goal from Chennaiyin FC’s Balwant Singh ensured Pritam Kotal’s own goal didn’t bother them much in what was a fascinating game of football.

Bengaluru FC made a winning start on the road as they downed Goan side Salgaocar FC 2-1. Kerala Blasters FC’s CK Vineeth and Mumbai City FC’s Sunil Chhetri scored their goals on either side of FC Goa striker Darryl Duffy’s penalty. Chhetri scored arguably the best goal of the weekend with a perfectly placed free-kick on the hour mark to help his side snatch all three points.

At half-time in their game, Kingfisher East Bengal found themselves trailing against hosts Sporting Clube de Goa. However, Odafa’s goal in the first half was cancelled out by Ranti Martins in the 67th minute. FC Pune City winger Bikash Jairu then put the visitors in front 11 minutes before time, smashing home a fierce left-footed shot from inside the box. Martins then put the game to bed as he tucked away a chance he himself created, thanks to excellent control inside the box.

In the only goalless game of the weekend, Shillong Lajong FC were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Mumbai FC. Atlético de Kolkaka’s Arata Izumi made his debut for the visitors in the match as it ended in a stalemate. DSK Shivajians were not involved in the first weekend of the season but will make their debut on January 17 against Sporting Clube de Goa.