Vishal Kaith Heroics send Mohun Bagan to the Durand Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year | MBSG vs PFC Match Review |

bySayan Ghosh -

 Vishal Kaith Heroics send Mohun Bagan to the Durand Cup semifinals for the second consecutive year!

Picture Courtesy - MBSG & Durand Media


Mohun Bagan advances to the semi-finals of 133rd edition of Durand cup after defeating Punjab FC in a nail-biting match after penalty shootout. The match at JRD TATA Sports Complex ended 3-3 in regular time, with match headed towards penalties where Bagan won the match 6-5, where, the current best goalkeeper in India showed his class and ability to perform on big stages.

Previous year's Durand Cup champions, Current ISL League Shield holders, ACL 2 participant Mohun Bagan were the clear cut favourites, entering the match. But that didn’t stopped Punjab FC, coached by Panagiotis Dilmperis, to lose hope before the match and they did gave a tough time to the Star-studded Bagan team throughout the match.

The pressure was on Mohun Bagan to set the team on right path before starting the season and coach Molina, who has set his sights up on the continental stages, named his second starting 11, leaving out captain Subhasish Bose and star strikers Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh and Dimitri Petratos on Bench.

Though molina started, Indian youth striking sensation Suhail Ahmad Bhat at the upfront, pairing him with Scottish marksman, Greg Stewart. The defense was led by Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez and our very own Dippendu Biswas. Deepak Tangri started ahead of Apuia at the heart of midfield. Vishal Kaith was handed the captain’s armband ahead of the big occasion.

Both of the teams began the match with very low intensity, measuring each other from the very first minute. Moves were made from both the sides but no defense could be curved open. Mohun Bagan focused on maintaining the possession, whereas, Punjab focused on their pace to initiate counter attacks.

First prominent move of the match was made by Punjab, when they carved out Bagan defense from the right side and entered the penalty box, where Alberto Rodriguez cleared the ball from Vinit Rai. But Referee being Referee, awarded that as penalty to Punjab. Luka Majcen converted from the spot and Punjab lead 1-0 at the start of 2nd quarter.


Bagan then looked more composed and controlling but couldn’t find the equalizer, but before the stroke of halftime, Scottish marksman, Greg Stewart pulled the strings at the middle of the park, where he attempted a shot from outside the penalty box and it went in all thanks to a deflection from Suhail Bhat. Mohun Bagan were back in the match and score reads 1-1 going into the half-time.

Bagan coach made a few changes and brought in Manvir Singh and Jason Cummings at the half time and soon they bore fruit, as Sahal and Manvir combined swiftly on the right wing to gave Mohun Bagan a crucial lead. Bagan leads 2-1 just after half-time.

Picture Courtesy - MBSG & Durand Media 

But Punjab coach also countered the moves, as he introduced his foreign recruits in the form of Ezequiel Vidal and Mushaga Bakenga. Soon these moves paid off as they swiftly combined with another foreigner Filip Mrzljak. Punjab were back in the match and led the match before 75th minute, with goals coming in quick succession from Vidal and Filip. Punjab led 3-2.

Bagan now put up a strong intent and Dimi Petratos, the Messiah of Bagan was thrown into the fray. Bagan’s Fox in the Box, Jason cummings once again came in Clutch, as he scored the all important equalizer in the 81st minute to draw levels to the game. Match ended 3-3.

As the match moved ahead into extra-time, there was not much energy left in players to actually go and try to change the complexity of the game, and finally the match was headed to direct penalty shootout.

Bagan goalkeeper, Vishal Kaith, who was not selected for the national team, put up a grand show and saved 2 crucial shots that from Punjab players to send Bagan to the semifinals of the Durand Cup, sending a clear statement to the national team coach. Mohun Bagan won the penalty shoot out 6-5 out of 7 shots attempted by each team. Jason Cummings missed his shot for the mariners.

Though this was a good win, still it was not a formidable one. Many midfield flaws were visible. It changes, when Apuia entered the pitch. Also, the importance of Subhasish Bose was felt throughout the left side. Molina has time before next semi-final match and starting their journey at the continental stages and it will be hoped that all the issues would be solved efficiently.


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