Playing their first match after the takeover by auction house Osian’s, New Delhi Heroes got off to a flying start on the first day of the qualifying round of the Durand Cup football meet today. Coached by Chima Okorie, the Delhi team showed enough teeth to register a 3-1 win over Bihar Regiments at Dr Ambedkar Stadium today.

Midfielder Harrison put the Heroes in lead in the 7th minute, while the strike duo of Havinder Sr. and Havinder multiplied the lead with goals in 19th and 58th minutes. Bihar Regiments failed to cut the lead despite manchances. The only solace came in the 86th minute through Tudu. But that turned out to be too late.

A win on debut could have brought a big smile on any coach’s face, but not Chima’s. The perfectionist expects a similar level of performance from his team. Not many coaches will say, “we were outplayed by the opposition” after a 3-1 win.

Earlier, the organisers of the event announced a short knockout format for the tournament after being cramped for time due to a tight national calendar and the proposed launch of country’s first professional league on November 23.

Four teams will make it to the main draw to join 12 top teams of the country. Altogether 18 teams, including six from Delhi, will be in action during the qualifying rounds. The semi-finals will be played on November 6 with the final slated for November 8.

Although defending champions Dempo Sports Club, JCT, Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers will be among those vying for top honours, the tournament will be without the stars preparing for the home leg of the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon on October 28.

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