Salgaocar FC took defending champions Churchill Brothers by surprise with a 1-0 victory in their opening match of the I-League at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday.
Scottish striker Darryl Duffy scored the only goal in the 42nd minute to give coach Derrick Pereira a winning start since returning to the club he excelled at as a player.
Both teams took time to get into the groove but as the match progressed it were Salgaocar, who looked the more dangerous team. With Duffy and Frenchman Claude Gnakpa combining well upfront, the Churchill defence never really had it easy. Then there was the threat of Francis Fernandes, who had the first real chance in the 12th minute when he played a one-two with Duffy only to see his flick sail inches past the post.
Churchill had just one chance in the opening 45 minutes and it was messed up by Bineesh Balan just in front of goal.
In Kolkata, a new-look Pune FC rallied to beat Durand Cup champions Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in their opening match.
Spain-born Raul Fabiani (16th and 76th minute) stole the show with a brace and set up another for James Meyer (52nd) to help Pune FC go past Mohammedan Sporting, who were leading with an 11th minute Joshimar d’Silva Martins’ strike.
In Pune, Mumbai FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Clube de Goa at Balewadi. A first-half injury time strike by winger John Coutinho gave Mumbai FC the lead before a second half penalty from substitute Kalu Ogba (77th) saw the teams split points.
On Sunday, Dempo SC, the 2011 I-League champions, will look to start on a winning note when they take on Shillong Lajong at Mapusa.
United SC will start their campaign against qualifiers Rangdajied United in Kolkata.