NorthEast United have won the 2024 Durand Cup, defeating the defending champions Mohun Bagan SG 4-3 on penalties in their home ground, at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. This is the first major trophy the Highlanders have won, and it comes after a long wait of 10 years.
The challengers fought back from 2-0 down in the first half to win the game on penalties, similar to what Mohun Bagan SG did in the semifinals against Bengaluru. Liston Colaco and Shubhashis Bose were unable to convert their penalties, which proved to be the difference maker.
NorthEast United win Durand Cup 2024 on penalties
HISTORY! 🏆#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #IndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/3msQAoXJ6G
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 31, 2024
Jason Cummings opened the scoring for the Mariners from the penalty spot before Sahal Abdul Samad scored his first goal of the season minutes before the half time whistle. However, the home team would not be able to hold onto their advantage in the second half and would collapse minutes into the second period.
Aleddine Ajaraie scored the first goal for NorthEast United’s comeback shortly after the second half before Guillermo Rodriguez made it 2-2 near the hour mark.
Several half time changes from both teams changed the composure of the game, with NorthEast taking control. But in the end, the finest margins decided the game and Gurmeet Singh did remarkably well to save Bose’s penalty to give his side the win.
How many times have Mohun Bagan won the Durand Cup?
Record 17 times
