Mohun Bagan Super Giant reached the final of the Durand Cup 2024 by defeating Bengaluru FC 4-3 in the second semi-final match at Salt Lake Stadium. The scores were locked at 0-0 in normal regulation and extra time, during which there could have been little less than intense drama with such a show of character by both teams, culminating in an eagerly awaited championship match.
No Goal yet Stalemate Moves into Penalties
Despite the gallant efforts played for 90 minutes of ordinary time and 30 more minutes of extra time, the scoreline still stood at 0-0. Both Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC, two of India's best football teams, had immense gameplay for both sides before killing the hope of one another taking a lead. The forward line from Bengaluru FC led by Sunil Chhetri couldn't manage the ball inside the striking position any efficiently, just like Mohun Bagan's striking trio led by none other than Dimitri Petratos himself.
Mohun Bagan won 4-3 in the penalty shootout that decided the pulsating semi-final. The penalty shootout between the two clubs was action-packed from the word go. There was a lot of intensity throughout as the hero among them was Mohun Bagan's goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who saved the penalties that turned out to be vital. A missed spot-kick blasted by Udanta Singh of Bengaluru FC meant Mohun Bagan was ahead. Mohun Bagan defender Subhasish Bose did it coolly, sending in the last of the penalty kicks to chip supporters into a tizzy and reserve their place in the championship.
Image Source -ISL
Vishal Kaith: Man of the Match
Majorly, the success of Mohun Bagan was indebted to performance in between the posts from Vishal Kaith, as his important saves in the process kept the club in the game and showed that he could handle pressure situations. Due to his shootout heroics, Kaith comes into the final with the reputation of being one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Indian football and hence, a lot of action could be waiting for him.
Image Source - Mohun Bagan Super Giants
Into the Finals
The win takes Mohun Bagan Super Giant into the final of the Durand Cup, where they take on the winner of the first semi-final played at Salt Lake between East Bengal and Mumbai City FC. The team managed to keep the one-goal cushion through the closing minutes and is now looking to record their 17th Durand Cup triumph. They would like to continue with that form and sort it out in defense. Besides expressing his joy on the performance of the side, coach Juan Ferrando also pointed out the importance of tactical discipline and keeping one's cool under pressure, especially in a penalty shootout situation.
"We showed great character today," Ferrando stated post-match. "Our focus now shifts to the final, and we’re determined to bring the trophy home for our fans."
Durand Cup 2024 Final: A Kolkata Derby in the Making?
The fans of both teams are barely concealing their excitement at the prospect of a Kolkata Derby final, with a sour twist, probably one of the most fabled rivalries in Indian football, against their bitter rivals, East Bengal, should they win in their semi-final clash. If East Bengal ultimately triumphs in this semifinal clash, then one of Indian football's greatest rivalries is bound to be played out in the final. One of the two sides is most likely to lift their prestigious trophy in the 2024 edition of the Durand Cup.
And now, all eyes will be on how Mohun Bagan Super Giant gets into preparation for the final as a continuum in perpetuating the rich history of the Durand Cup.
Inputs by Agencies
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