Diamond Harbour FC Stun Mohammedan Sporting 2-1 in Debut Durand Cup Clash

Photo by Subham Mondal

Diamond Harbour FC couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic start to their Durand Cup journey. Playing their first-ever match in the historic tournament, the I-League 2 champions pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over former winners Mohammedan Sporting in a Group B clash at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The match looked destined for a draw after both sides scored in either half, but Luka Majcen had other plans. The Slovenian forward came off the bench to net a stoppage-time winner and secure all three points for debutants Diamond Harbour FC, sending their bench into wild celebrations.

It was Mohammedan Sporting who struck first. In the 37th minute, Thokchom Adison Singh latched on to a perfectly floated ball from Ashley Alban Koli, skipped past his marker and slotted past Mirshad with a low finish. The Kolkata giants looked in control going into the break.

But DHFC head coach Kibu Vicuna wasted no time in making changes. He introduced Luka Majcen and Samuel at halftime, and the move paid off immediately. Just six minutes into the second half, Samuel delivered a pinpoint corner from the right which was met by defender Sairuatkima, whose towering header left Mohammedan keeper Subhajit rooted.

As both teams pushed for a winner, Sajal Bag almost turned the game in Mohammedan’s favour with a powerful strike that rattled the post in the 83rd minute. But it was Majcen who had the final word.

In the 90+9th minute, Samuel chested a long ball into Majcen’s path. The forward’s initial shot was blocked by Subhajit, but the rebound deflected off defender Dinesh Meetei and fell kindly for the Slovenian, who calmly slotted it home from close range. It was a classic poacher’s goal — and a dream start for Diamond Harbour FC in their first Durand Cup outing.

Mohammedan SC will be left wondering how they let this slip, having dominated large spells and created the better chances. But in football, it’s about taking your moments — and DHFC did just that.