Mohammedan Sporting began their campaign in style as they defeated Ar-Hima by a solitary goal in the opening match of Federation Cup Preliminary Round on Thursday.
Stanley Okoroigwe scored the all-important goal for the Kolkata outfit in the 34th minute in a Group A match at the Kalyani Stadium.
Mohammedan Sporting enjoyed territorial domination for most part of the match over their Meghalaya-based opponents and could have won by a bigger margin but for poor finishing by their strikers.
Suroj Mondal, Surajit Bose and Stanley wasted chances from close. The Black-and-White were also unlucky to have been deprived once by the crosspiece.
Sporting coach Aloke Mukherjee was not willing to go overboard after his side's win.
"It's the perfect start to the new season. But this is just the beginning. I'm happy that we won. We are yet to play to our full potential. The team will take some time to settle down," he said.
"My first priority is to take the team through to the main phase of the Federation Cup."
Mohammedan Sporting next play Goa's Vasco Sports Club on September 12.
Tomorrow, Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim Football Club take on ONGC at Mohun Bagan ground in Kolkata while Southern Samity play Royal Wahingdoh of Shillong at Howrah Stadium.