Durand Cup 2024: NorthEast United FC Win First Trophy With Penalty Shootout Win Over Mohun Bagan Super Giant

NorthEast United FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-3 on penalties after the game finished 2-2 to win the 133rd Durand Cup title at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

NEUFC clinched their first-ever title since their inception a decade back.

NorthEast United tried to remain positive in the initial exchanges of the summit clash as Jithin MS danced down the left flank.

Mohun Bagan picked up pace soon after as the referee blew for a penalty against the run of play in the 10th minute. Asheer Akhtar had brought down Sahal Abdul Samad inside the box as Jason Cummings stepped up and converted the spot kick to hand Mohun Bagan the lead in the 11th minute.

In fact, it was the first time since the group stage that MBSG scored the first goal of the match.

It was chasing the game for NEUFC from there on.

In the 18th minute, Mohun Bagan had the chance to double their lead. Greg Stewart won possession on the left flank as he easily beat his marker and ran into the penalty box. he attempted to dink goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh but ended up hitting it over the bar.

NEUFC Mohammed Bemammer made way for the attack-minded Nestor Albaich in the 31st minute. The Highlanders tried their best to force their way back into the game but met strong opposition in the form of Alberto Rodriguez. He had to be substituted in the 38th minute with Asish Rai coming in.

But with the half drawing to a close, it was the Mariners who managed to score again.

Anirudh Thapa played Liston Colaco behind the defence from the left flank as

he ran beyond the defender and sent in a pinpoint cross for Sahal, who thumbed the ball in.

Jose Molina, seemingly confident that the game is in the bag, decided to bring off Sahal for Dimitri Petratos.

Juan Pedro Benali opted to send his star forward Guillermo Fernandez on.

The impact was almost immediate NEUFC pulled one back in the 55th minute. Jithin pulls defenders towards him only to slip in Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who inturn, caught Vishal Kaith napping on the line. He looked curled the ball into the far post before pulling out and slotting the ball past Kaith at the near post.

NorthEast equalised two minutes later in the 57th as substitute Guillermo scored a stunning volley from a tentative floater from Ajaraie.

The momentum was with NEUFC as MBSG looked shaky in defence. Inexperienced and makeshift players playing out of position could not cake over the cracks.

The game went to penalties with either team failing to convert their chances.

Jason Cummings missed but with Gurpreet stepping out prematurely, the penalty had to be retaken. He scored on the second try as Guillermo Fernandez scored on the first time of asking.

Manvir Singh converted as Nestor Akbiach scored too.

Liston Colaco’s effort was saved by the keeper with Parthib Gogoi handing over the advantage to NEUFC.

Dimitrios Petratos smashed his penalty into the back of the net as Alaaeddine Ajaraie calmly slotted his.

Subhasish Bose’s effort was saved as NorthEast United won the game and title as John Abraham was a happy man.