Defending champion Mohun Bagan Super Giants defeated Downtown Heroes FC n the opening match of Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.

Mariners managed to collect the full quota of points by a solitary goal scored by Suhail Bhat in the 73rd minute in their group A league match.

With its full squad yet to assemble, Mohun Bagan SG fielded a combination of reserve team players under the charge of its assistant coach Bastab Roy. 

The young side struggled in the attacking third initially but remained compact in its defence to hold off the offensives of its Srinagar-based opponent.