
NorthEast United Creates History: Wins Durand Cup Final
In an exhilarating match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) created history by clinching their first-ever Durand Cup title.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The penalty shootout was as intense as the match itself:
Round | Mohun Bagan SG | NorthEast United FC |
---|---|---|
1st | Jason Cummings – Scored | Guillermo – Scored |
2nd | Sahal Abdul Samad – Scored | Parthib Gogoi – Scored |
3rd | Liston Colaco – Missed | Ajaraie – Scored |
4th | Dimitri Petratos – Scored | Noah Sadaoui – Scored |
5th | Subhasish Bose – Saved | Parthib Gogoi – Scored |
“Gurmeet Singh’s heroic saves in the penalty shootout secured a historic victory for NorthEast United.”
NorthEast United’s Parthib Gogoi and Ajaraie kept their cool to convert their penalties, with Gurmeet Singh making crucial saves, ensuring a 4-3 victory for the Highlanders.
The newly formed team triumphed over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout after the match ended in a 2-2 draw during regulation time.
The final was held at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, making it a memorable night for Indian football.
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Dramatic Events Take Center Stage

Image Credit: Firstpost
The final began with high intensity as Mohun Bagan SG took an early lead:
- 11th Minute: Jason Cummings scored a penalty, putting Mohun Bagan ahead.
- 45th Minute: Sahal Abdul Samad doubled the lead for Mohun Bagan, finishing a brilliant cross from Liston Colaco.
At halftime, Mohun Bagan seemed to have one hand on the trophy, leading 2-0. However, NorthEast United, under the tactical guidance of coach Juan Pedro Benali, had other plans.
“At halftime, Mohun Bagan’s command over the trophy seemed assured, but NorthEast United’s resilience would soon change the course of the match.”
Awesome Comeback by NorthEast United
The second half saw a spirited comeback from NorthEast United:
- 55th Minute: Ajaraie scored for the Highlanders after a well-orchestrated build-up by Jithin MS.
- 58th Minute: Substitute Guillermo equalized with a stunning volley, leveling the score at 2-2.
The comeback left Mohun Bagan supporters in shock, as both teams fought hard to find a winning goal. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match headed into a penalty shootout.
Individual Accolades
NorthEast United’s victory was highlighted by several individual awards:
- Golden Boot: Noah Sadaoui topped the goal-scoring charts with two hat-tricks against Mumbai City FC and CISF Protectors.
- Golden Glove: Gurmeet Singh was awarded the Golden Glove for his three clean sheets and outstanding performance in the final.
- Best Player of the Tournament: Jithin MS earned this honor for his consistent and impressive displays throughout the competition.
A Season to Remember for NorthEast United
“NorthEast United’s victory is expected to boost the morale of both the team and its fans as they prepare for the upcoming Indian Super League season.”
This victory marks the biggest achievement in NorthEast United’s history. Often regarded as the ‘dark horses’ of Indian football, the team, under coach Juan Pedro Benali, defied the odds and claimed their first-ever silverware against the defending champions in their own backyard.
The Road Ahead for Both Teams
“The Durand Cup 2024 final will be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches in the competition’s storied history, showcasing the drama, skill, and passion that Indian football has to offer.”
As the dust settles on the Durand Cup 2024, both teams will now shift their focus to the upcoming domestic season.
NorthEast United will look to carry this momentum into the Indian Super League, while Mohun Bagan SG will need to regroup and analyze what went wrong in the final.
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References: https://sportstar.thehindu.com
