An Early Wake Up Call | Mohun Bagan v. North East United FC Durand Cup 2024 Final Match Review
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It was a heart wrenching day for Mohun Bagan fans as the defending champions of the Durand Cup botched up a 2-0 lead at home against Northeast United F.C. and went on to lose the match 3-4 on penalties in the final of the Cup they set out to defend.
The Half of Rights
Sahal scores at the stroke of half time after a brilliantly worked move between Thapa and Liston! 💚♥️
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 31, 2024
One more half to go! ⚡️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/tMzc7rHeiE
The record 17 times Durand Champions made just one change from their previous win against Bengaluru in the semifinal with Stewart starting in place of Petratos and completely dominated the 1st half of the match. Great linkup play was seen between Sahal with Manvir and Liston, all breathing fire.
Bagan got a penalty early in the 1st half in the 10th minute when Sahal was brought down by Ashir inside the box. Cummings made no mistake and put the Mariners in front. Bagan piled on the pressure with a barrage of attacks and Northeast simply didn’t have any answer with Stewart, Manvir, Liston all having great scoring chances.
The attacks didn’t go to vain as the Green and Maroon brigade doubled their lead in the 45+4 minute courtesy of some exquisite footwork from Liston and clinical finishing from Sahal. It seemed like the Mariners were running away with the game. But perhaps the footballing gods had other plans.
The Half of Wrongs
All square at the end of regulation time! We move to penalties! 👊#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/Soo5pDN7Ej
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 31, 2024
In the 2nd half, the boys from the Northeast seemed like a completely different and rejuvenated team. Benali’s men displayed fearless football. Coach Benali brought in Macarton and Guillermo in half time which had an immediate impact. Guillermo really tested the Mohun Bagan defence.
And their rejuvenated approach was greatly rewarded as Ajaraei (55th min) and Guillermo (58th min) scored 2 bangers in a span of 3 minutes. Northeast were on top and piling on the pressure. Jithin nearly scored another screamer in the 69th minute.After a turbulent 2nd half the game finished 2-2 and penalties were to decide the champions.
All hopes were on Vishal Kaith to save Mohun Bagan for the third time in a row. But it was not meant to be. Northeast were picture perfect in their penalties while Mohun Bagan seemed a bit cagey in their spotkicks with Liston and Subhashis missing and Cummings scoring on a 2nd take thus resulting in the loss. It is a historic moment for Northeast United as they win their first ever major trophy since their inception in 2014.
The Road Ahead for Bagan
A solid run to start the season ends at the final step for us. Proud of our boys. Up next, the Indian Super League 💚♥️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/1AnDzlV1Ad
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 31, 2024
As for Mohun Bagan, this tournament was far from their best. The attack seemed clinical but the defence was not quite up to the mark. Failing to close out matches and over relying on Vishal Kaith to get us over the line seems like a matter of concern. Molina’s radical substitutions and frequent changes in the playing 11 has also drawn scepticism.
Though it’s a tough loss to digest, the lessons that Mariners learnt from this tournament may be a boon for them in the long run, and a wake up call to do the necessary plumbing before the the Domestic Shield and Asia comes calling.
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