Shillong, August 21: Mohun Bagan Super Giant has secured a spot in the final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. Their journey to the title match was significantly aided by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who made two crucial saves during the penalty shootout. In the second semifinal held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday, the match ended in a 0-0 draw after regulation time. Mohun Bagan triumphed over NorthEast United 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
The final will take place on Sunday, where Mohun Bagan will face their fierce rivals, East Bengal FC, in the Kolkata Derby.
In the semifinal, the wet pitch made it challenging for both teams to execute passing moves effectively. The first 20 minutes saw both sides struggle for midfield control, leading to frequent long balls over the defensive lines to create attacking opportunities.
The first shot on target came midway through the first half, but NorthEast United’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made an impressive save. Shortly after, Kyan Nasiri opted for a difficult angle shot instead of passing to teammates inside the box, hitting the side netting.
After half an hour of play, Alaeddin Azharai controlled a high ball from a set piece and volleyed it, but the ball went just wide of the post. The wet conditions hindered both teams from playing their preferred style, making set pieces crucial; each team earned three corners during this period.
Just before halftime, Sahal Abdul Samad seized the ball in midfield and took a long-range shot, but Gurmeet saved it, leaving the first half scoreless.
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. NorthEast United came closest to scoring when Abdul Rabih’s precise low cross from the right flank was narrowly missed by Alaeddin Azharai.
NorthEast United continued to create better opportunities. Macarthan Nixon approached the goal; the move started on the left, then the ball was sent to the right for a cross. However, his shot from inside the box hit the side netting. Ultimately, the match remained tied at 0-0 until the end of regular time, leading to a penalty shootout.
Both teams converted their first three penalties. NorthEast United’s Robin Yadav stepped up for the fourth kick, but Vishal Kaith made a fantastic save. Jamie Maclaren then scored, putting Mohun Bagan ahead, and Kaith followed up with another brilliant save against Parthib Gogoi’s shot, securing Mohun Bagan’s place in the final.
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