Durand Cup 2024: NorthEast United FC Clinch First-Ever Durand Cup Title with a Comeback Win Over Mohun Bagan
- Pixel Sports Football Desk
- Sep 4, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 2
In an unforgettable final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, NorthEast United FC pulled off a stunning comeback to clinch their first-ever Durand Cup 2024 title, overcoming defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties. After trailing 2-0 in the first half, the Highlanders turned the game around, equalizing in the second half and eventually winning the shootout.
Mohun Bagan took an early lead through a Jason Cummings penalty, followed by a Sahal Abdul Samad goal just before halftime. NorthEast United struggled to find their rhythm, with Jithin M.S. being the only standout in the first half. However, things changed drastically in the second half with the introduction of Guillermo Fernandez.
The Highlanders came out with renewed energy, and in a matter of minutes, Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez scored two quick goals to level the match. Ajaraie’s calm finish and Guillermo’s clinical strike silenced the home crowd and brought NorthEast United back into the game.
As the match went into penalties, it was Gurmeet Singh who emerged as the hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks from Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose. Meanwhile, all four of NorthEast’s penalty takers—Guillermo, Michel Zabaco, Parthib Gogoi, and Ajaraie—held their nerve to seal the win.
This victory not only marked NorthEast United’s first Durand Cup title but also their first-ever piece of silverware in Indian football, making it a historic night for the Highlanders and their fans.
