Mohun Bagan SG ended East Bengal’s fairytale run in the Durand Cup, winning the final 1-0. The Mariners were down to 10 men in the second half but were able to hold on to their one goal advantage with some very resolute defending. They have won their 17th Durand Cup in the process, surpassing East Bengal’s tally of 16.
The first half saw East Bengal run riot with some very impressive attacking play. The Torch Bearers did not allow their rivals any room in the game and played on the front foot. But, they had to deal with the loss of Jordan Elsey to injury in the first half and his loss proved to be significant in due course.
Mohun Bagan SG defeat East Bengal to win Durand Cup 2023
Mohun Bagan SG came out determined to play on the counter attack in the second half, and their goal was completely against the run of play. Petratos slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past Prabhsukhan Gill to win the side for his match.
Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper Vishal Kaith won the Golden Glove, after keeping a clean sheet in the final. He was called into making a couple of important saves but had a comfortable game for the most part, with the opposition being unable to threaten too much.
East Bengal’s Nandhakumar Sekar won the Golden Ball for being named the player of the tournament. The winger won three man of the match awards and scored the winner in the previous derby. He could not make a significant impact in the final, but was influential nonetheless.
The loss in the Durand Cup final will be tough for East Bengal to take considering how well they played for the majority of the game, and that Mohun Bagan had a man light. The Mariners have become the record winners of the Durand Cup and will be looking to take the momentum into the AFC Cup next.
