Durand Cup 2024: NorthEast United Stage Dramatic Comeback to Clinch First-Ever Title Against Mohun Bagan

New Delhi: NorthEast United FC completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties, clinching the 133rd Durand Cup in a thrilling final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

NorthEast United FC won their maiden Durand Cup in a historic moment for the club, as they lifted their first-ever silverware in Indian football.

The defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, started strong with a 2-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of goals from Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad. However, the tide shifted in the second half when Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez scored for NorthEast to level the game. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh played an important role, saving two penalties during the shootout, as NorthEast completed an incredible comeback.

Coach Juan Pedro Benali thus took a calculated risk, lining up with Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin M.S. and Thoi Singh leading the assault, while Spanish duo Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach warming the bench. Mohammed Ali Bemammer and Hamza Regragui formed the Morocco midfield combination, Mayakkannan Muthu playing in assistance to Michel Zabaco, anchoring the defense. Meanwhile, Jose Molina sent Jason Cummings, Greg Stewart, and Sahal Abdul Samad to the front along with Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh providing width. Subhasish Bose came back into Mohun Bagan’s defence and slotted in along Thomas Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez in a back three.

Neither team showed reckless ambition in the opening minutes of the game as both were content sitting deep and being patient. But soon Mohun Bagan got in their rhythm. Sahal Abdul Samad was brought down in the box by Asheer Akhtar, and from the resulting penalty, Jason Cummings slotted home confidently to give the Mariners an early lead. With the end of the first half imminent, Mohun Bagan doubled their advantage. Liston Colaco’s run down the left wing created space for Sahal inside the box, and the midfielder finished expertly to make it 2-0 before halftime.

NorthEast United came with two quick blows in the second half. Jithin M.S played the through-ball to Ajaraie, who slotted at the bottom corner to reduce the deficit. In no time, Ajaraie floated a pinpoint cross for Guillermo Fernandez, whose first-time finish left Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with no chance. Fernandez’s strike drew the Highlanders level and shook the home side.

Thereafter, NorthEast United puffed at them with energy-sapping pressure as their opponents remained at arm’s length. First, Macarton Louis and later Jithin M.S drew sharp saves from Kaith as the Highlanders pressed for a winner. At the most crucial juncture, however, the best-laid plans could not fetch them the decisive strike as the match tumbled into a penalty shootout.

Gurmeet Singh was thus the hero in the shootout for NorthEast as he saved the spot-kicks of Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose. On the other hand, Vishal Kaith couldn’t replicate his earlier heroics, letting in Guillermo Fernandez, Michel Zabaco, Parthib Gogoi and Alaaeddine Ajaraie score from the spot. Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh and Dimitri Petratos were the only ones to be successful penalty takers for Mohun Bagan as NorthEast United triumphed to emerge champions in the Durand Cup.