East Bengal's new Belgian coach Phillippe de Ridder began his stint at the helm with a classy 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC.

Abel Hammond, who came off the bench to replace Bhaichung Bhutia midway through the first half, struck soon after taking the field by putting away a pass from Syed Rahim Nabi.

The two combined again late in the second half with Hammond again finishing for his second goal, while Yusif Yakubu sealed a convincing victory for the home side with a goal in injury time.

Dempo Sports Club came back from a goal down to defeat Viva Kerala 3-1. Karma gave the visitors the lead after 17 minutes, cashing in on an error from Dempo goalkeeper Tyson Caidado.

Dempo left it late, but came back in style with Sunil Chettri levelling scores in the 72nd minute by heading home a cross from Anthony Pereira with clinical precision.

Ranty Martins put the home side in front in the 82nd minute and Joaquim Abranches completed the turnaround with a goal four minutes from close.

At the Cooperage, Muritala Ali struck a hat-trick as Mahindra United hammered Air India 4-0.

Mohammad Rafi gave Mahindra the lead in the 10th minute, while Ali struck his first goal in the 41st minute. Ali left no doubt with goals in the 49th and 58th minutes as Mahindra walked off comfortable winners.