Mohun Bagan SG are through to the semifinals of the Durand Cup 2024, defeating Punjab FC 6-5 on penalties at the Tata Steel Sports Complex stadium in Jamshedpur. The defending champions are now two wins away from securing the title for a consecutive season.
Regulation time saw the two sides tied 3-3 in what was nothing short of an incredible encounter. Mohun Bagan SG had to equalise two times in the game to get back on level terms and send the game to penalties.
Mohun Bagan SG defeat Punjab FC to set up Durand Cup semifinal clash
Mohun Bagan SG edged out Punjab FC while Bengaluru FC beat Kerala Blasters FC to advance to Durand Cup semi-finals!🇮🇳#IndianFootball #SKIndianSports pic.twitter.com/kjpr9QBa9U
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 24, 2024
New signing Tom Aldred scored the winning penalty for the ISL League Shield winners, in what was a heartbreaking loss for the Shers. They took the lead early in the game through Luka Majcen from the penalty spot, but MBSG equalised before half time.
Manvir Singh made an instant impact after being subbed on at half time, scoring right after the break. However, Ezequiel Vidal set up Vidal to equalise right after for Punjab. Vidal then helped the Shers get the lead before Jason Cummings made it 3-3, making it yet another substitute to get on the scoresheet.
The Mariners will now face Bengaluru FC at Salt Lake Stadium on August 27. The other semifinal will see NorthEast United face Shillong Lajong in a Northeast derby between two of the top teams from the group of states.