Talismanic striker Jose Ramirez Barretto struck twice as defending champions Mohun Bagan scored a convincing 4-1 victory over qualifiers Mohammedan Sporting in the opening match of the Federation Cup football tournament in Guwahati on Monday.
Barretto scored his first goal in the sixth minute before adding another in the first minute of the injury time (90+1).
Japanese recruit Ryuji Sueoka (41st minute) and Nigerian Chidi Edeh (90+3) netted once each in the Group B match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.
Mohammedan Sporting's lone goal was scored by Jothi Kumar in the 33rd minute.
Mohun Bagan play Kolkata rivals Chirag United on Wednesday in their second group match.
Churchill drub HAL
At Silchar, A double strike by Khemtang Paite and a stunning free-kick goal by star striker Odafe Okolie helped I-League champions Churchill Brothers begin their Federation Cup campaign with a 3-0 drubbing of qualifiers Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
In a completely one-sided Group C match at the Satindra Mohan Dev Memorial stadium, Churchill outplayed their opponents from Bangalore to run away with three points.
Paite found the target in the 25th and 83rd minutes while Odafe scored in the 67th minute. HAL did not get a clear goal-scoring chance in the entire 90 minutes.
Churchill now take on Mumbai FC in their second group match on Wednesday.
Mahindra edge Chirag 2-1
Former Champions Mahindra United beat Chirag United 2-1 in a Group B match on the opening day of the Federation Cup football tournament in Guwahati on Monday.
Mahindra scored through Sushil Kumar Singh (45th) and N P Pradeep (63rd) while Edmilson Marques reduced the margin through a spot kick in the 78th minute at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Chirag United, who have come to the tournament without injured striker Joshimar Silva, were reduced to 10 men just two minutes from regulation time after defender R Dhanarajan was red carded for a reckless tackle.
Mahindra play Mohammedan Sporting in their second group match on Wednesday.