Defending champions Mohun Bagan began their title defence with a 4-0 win over DSK Shivajians in their opening encounters at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Monday.

Bagan started well with Darryl Duffy producing a sensational half-volley after Katsumi Yusa had passed the ball to him, but the Scotman’s shot went wide of the goal in the 13th minute. DSK Shivajians wary of Mohun Bagan’s attacking threat played deep and tried to crowd the midfield and choking their passing play.

Sony Norde proved to be a threat and in the 24th minute, his cross for Balwant Singh gave Bagan the lead. Balwant connected with a precise header to send the ball home, giving the Mariners an advantage as the half-time scoreline read 1-0.

In the 52nd minute, Sony Norde initiated a counter attack for the Maroon-and-Greens from the wings, but his shot went wide of the post.

DSK tried to breach the Bagan defence and chances for Dave Rogers’ side came but they were restricted to shots from distance. Juan Quero’s shot in the 63rd minute went over the bar as the Stallions could not get closer to the Bagan goal.

In the 65th minute, Darryl Duffy headed the ball home from a Sony Norde corner after the DSK defence line failed to clear the ball to double his side’s lead. A minute later, Sony Norde’s shot from inside the box, with no pressure on the Haitian went over the bar.

Balwant Singh added more gloss to the scoreline as he scored from outside the box in the 71st minute as he doubled his tally to extend Mohun Bagan’s lead.

DSK was kept at bay by the Mariners’ defence and Jeje got on the scoresheet in the dying minutes of the match. Bagan registered a convincing win to start their campaign for this season and went top of Group B on goal difference, ahead of Bengaluru FC who defeated Shillong Lajong earlier on in the evening.