NorthEast United FC stun defending champions Mohun Bagan to clinch maiden Durand Cup title

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 31, 2024

NorthEast United FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties, clinching the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup in a dramatic final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. This victory marked the Highlanders’ maiden Durand Cup title and their first major silverware in Indian football.

Mohun Bagan took a 2-0 lead in the first half through Jason Cummings’ penalty in the 11th minute and Sahal Abdul Samad’s goal deep into first-half stoppage time. However, NorthEast United fought back with Alaaeddine Ajaraie scoring in the 55th minute and Guillermo Fernandez equalizing three minutes later. NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, saving two crucial spot-kicks to seal the win.

NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali made a tactical decision to bench Spanish attackers Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach, opting instead to start with Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin M.S., and Thoi Singh in the attack. The Moroccan midfield duo of Mohammed Ali Bemammer and Hamza Regragui, alongside Mayakkannan Muthu, shielded the defense led by Michel Zabaco.

Mohun Bagan, under Jose Molina, started with Jason Cummings, Greg Stewart, and Sahal Abdul Samad in attack, supported by wide players Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh. Subhasish Bose returned to the starting eleven, joining Thomas Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez in a back three.

The opening minutes were nervy, but Mohun Bagan settled quicker. In the 11th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad was fouled by Asheer Akhtar inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Jason Cummings converted the spot-kick with composure, sending the ball past Gurmeet Singh.

Despite NorthEast United’s struggles in the first half, Jithin M.S. provided a bright spark with his attacking runs down the left, though he found little support. Adding to their woes, Mohammed Ali Bemammer was substituted due to injury.

Mohun Bagan doubled their lead in the 45+5th minute. Liston Colaco broke down the left and delivered a precise pass to Sahal Abdul Samad, who scored past Gurmeet to make it 2-0.

NorthEast United introduced Guillermo Fernandez at the start of the second half, and Dimitri Petratos was brought in for Mohun Bagan. The Highlanders looked revitalized, with Jithin M.S. continuing his impressive form. A sign of the Highlanders’ intent came when Jithin’s shot was blocked by Subhasish Bose.

NorthEast United’s comeback was swift. In the 55th minute, Jithin set up Ajaraie on the edge of the box, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Just three minutes later, Ajaraie found Guillermo at the far post, and the Spanish forward’s first-time finish stunned the Kolkata crowd, making it 2-2.

The Highlanders dominated proceedings thereafter, with Macarton Louis and Jithin M.S. forcing saves from Vishal Kaith. Mohun Bagan struggled to replicate their first-half form, creating only one meaningful chance through Petratos, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

The match went to penalties, where Gurmeet Singh’s heroics made the difference. He saved penalties from Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose, while NorthEast’s penalty takers, Guillermo Fernandez, Michel Zabaco, Parthib Gogoi, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie, all scored. For Mohun Bagan, only Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, and Dimitri Petratos converted their spot-kicks.

NorthEast United received a winning purse of INR 60,00,000 while the runners-up purse of INR 30,00,000 was awarded to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Among the other tournament awards Gurmeet Singh won Golden Glove, Noah Sadaoui (6 goals) won the Golden Boot for the highest scorer while Jithin M.S was very deservedly awarded the Man of the Tournament award. They all received a cash prize of five lakhs each along with their trophies.

Featured Image Credit: Durand Cup Media Team
The content was contributed by the Durand Cup Media team.