East Bengal vs Namdhari, Durand Cup 2025, AS IT HAPPENED: East Bengal FC edged past Namdhari FC 1-0 in their Durand Cup Group A clash on Wednesday, with debutant Hamid Ahadad scoring the winner in the 67th minute.
The home side dominated from the start, hitting the framework thrice and forcing several saves from Namdhari goalkeeper Neeraj Kumar. Despite creating no chances of their own, Namdhari held firm until Ahadad's decisive header from a corner. With the win, East Bengal move to the top of Group A, as they stay in perfect position to finish as group winners.

That's it! Referee blows the whistle for full-time and East Bengal emerge victorious to seal the deal! They claim top position in Group A now. East Bengal had 18 shots to Namdhari's nothing. It has been a dominant performance from EB but Namdhari's resilient defence failed to cope up with the homeside's reletenless attack. FT: EB 1-0 NAM (Hamid)
5 minutes have been added on for stoppages! As we write, East Bengal squander a glorious chance to seal the deal! Edmund with his deft skills went past the defenders with ease and laid out a lob ball to Hamid Ahadad to score and the Moroccan, unmarked, miscues it over the bar.
We are entering into the stoppage time and East Bengal held on with their slender lead!
East Bengal look a very relaxed side now. They are taking time, building play from the back. But despite all of that, they still look threatening.
East Bengal FC doing everything to get another goal. Namdhari finding life tough to handle the situation.
East Bengal are not sitting back! They are pressing men forward yet again as a one-goal cushion is never a cushion, you can rest on.
East Bengal finally break the deadlock as their hardwork has paid off! This is why they bought Hamid. Seems to be a proper poacher!
GOAAAL!!! East Bengal break the deadlock! Hamid Ahadad, the debutant makes an immediate impact! He connects the header well from the corner as the onrushing keeper fails to clear it.
East Bengal FC clearly dominating the game but their final touches are seriously letting them down. Namdhari, on the other side have literally parked the bus to thwart any EB attack.
Substitution for East Bengal! Hamid Ahadad, the new signing from Morocco makes his debut! All eyes will be on him!
Miguel with a cheeky attempt from a corner as he plays it wide, just outside the box instead of a cross and with a first-time attempt, Rakip blasts it into the stands!
East Bengal create chances after chances, but still they couldn't get the ball into the back of the net. Looks like it will go down the wire.
Chance for East Bengal! Naorem gets in a juicy cross inside the box and once again Neeraj Kumar gets the better of Diamantakos. Nicely held...
East Bengal resume play with the same intensity like the first-half. Let's see whether they can generate any opening or not.
We are back for the 2nd half as East Bengal look to break the deadlock!
Second-Half Beckons!
HT | A dominant yet goalless first half.
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 6, 2025
Let's get the job done in the next 45 minutes, polas! 💪#JoyEastBengal #EmamiEastBengal #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/hJqvEfBnsN
East Bengal FC and Namdhari go into break with nothing to separate them. Clearly EB have the best chances, hitting the framework thrice. Second-half awaits for more action. Stay tuned!
3 minutes have been added on for stoppages!
East Bengal rattle the woodwork! Saul meets a good corner and his bullet went off the bar and out for a goal-kick!
East Bengal appeal for another penalty! It looked like he was pulled by the jersey but in the replay, it showed that Miguel went down quite easily.
Almost a goal for East Bengal!! Namdhari keeper Neeraj Kumar shows geat reflexes in the near post! Saul Crespo leaned back to meet a Naorem cross from a free-kick, but he was denied a glorious opportunity! Kumar now looks in pain again! But he is good to continue...
Anwar Ali is down on the ground after a reckless tackle from Deogol. The Indian defender looks in some pain and currently he is being treated by the medical staff. He should be fine.
Back-to-back chances for East Bengal! First it was Nunga with a long-range effort, which was blocked initially. Then the ball fell to Naorem, who tried to find the bottom corner, but it lacked venom and it turned out to be a routine save for Neeraj Kumar. Earlier, EBFC were denied a penalty chance after Namdhari handled the ball inside the box.
Early substitution for Namdhari! Dharampreet has been taken off and on comes Aman for the visiting side.
Namdhari FC keeper, Neeraj Kumar clutching his harmstring. He looked like he was in pain. But he is ready to go now.
East Bengal knocking on the door!!! First it was Miguel hitting the post and then the Brazilian found another chance, but it hit the post yet again! Chances coming thick and fast for the Torch-bearers!
East Bengal are getting the passes in, building up the game quite well with their link-up play but Namdhari have their men in the right place, making sure they don't give any space.
East Bengal almost finding a goal! Bipin does well to cut inside and make space and almost assisted Diamantakos for a simple tap-in! Namdhari throwing bodies infront of the goal to thwart the threat!
East Bengal still dominate in the possession, but not getting the clear-cut opportunity to generate an opening. Namdhari has so far been efficient at the back.
East Bengal keep up with their pressure as they are giving a lot of trouble to the opposition with a flurry of corners. Namdhari cautious.
Striker Dimitrios Diamantakos was in fine form, supported ably by Bipin Singh and Naorem Mahesh, as East Bengal's frontline delivered a performance full of pace, creativity, and precision. Their defensive unit, too, looked organized and disciplined, giving the fans plenty to cheer about.
Namdhari FC, meanwhile, have emerged as the surprise package of the group. They began with a composed 2-0 win over Indian Air Force and followed it up with a spirited 4-2 comeback victory against the same opponents despite being reduced to ten men. Their resilience and fighting spirit have made them one of the most talked-about teams in the group stages.
Wednesday's clash carries high stakes. If East Bengal secure three points, they will move to six and put themselves in a commanding position ahead of their final group fixture. Depending on goal difference and other results, a win here could potentially seal their place atop Group A. On the other hand, if Namdhari manage to stun the Kolkata giants, they will finish the group stage with a perfect nine points and confirm themselves as the group toppers - a remarkable achievement for the tournament newcomers.
East Bengal, who have won the Durand Cup a staggering 16 times - just one behind arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant - will be eager to assert their pedigree. But Namdhari's fearless brand of football and never-say-die attitude ensures that this won't be a walk in the park for the former champions. A thrilling contest awaits at Salt Lake.