Mohun Bagan SG defeated FC Goa 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2023 Durand Cup to set up a Kolkata derby in the final. The Mariners had to overturn a 1-0 deficit to win the game in front of an army of fans at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Noah Sadaoui scored the opening goal for FC Goa after a stray pass from Hugo Boumous. The winger scored his sixth goal in the ISL, levelling the numbers for the Golden Boot award in the 2023 Durand Cup.
Mohun Bagan SG advance to the finals of the 2023 Durand Cup
However, their lead would be cut short after a controversial penalty which was converted by Jason Cummings. A terrible defensive error from Sandesh Jhingan allowed Armando Sadiku to latch on to the ball and curl in a brilliant goal from long distance to make it 2-1.
FC Goa left-back Jay Gupta had a number of opportunities to help his side get back on level terms. He had given away the penalty earlier in the game, but performed well afterwards. The defender forced Vishal Kaith into making an important save after he headed the ball towards goal with pace. And the save kept the Mariners in the game, in spite of the pressure that Goa were able to put the home team under.
Mohun Bagan SG will face East Bengal in the finals of the competition on Sunday, in a mammoth clash between the two 16-time winners of the Durand Cup.
