The 2024 Durand Cup Final will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and intense encounters in the tournament’s storied history. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, NorthEast United FC pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the heavily favored Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a nail-biting penalty shootout to claim their first-ever Durand Cup title. The victory not only marked a historic achievement for NorthEast United but also solidified their place among Indian football’s elite.
A Clash of Titans: The Road to the Final
The 2024 Durand Cup Final brought together two of Indian football’s most formidable teams, Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United. Both teams had navigated a challenging tournament, displaying grit, determination, and tactical brilliance to reach the final. Mohun Bagan, with their rich history and a squad filled with seasoned players, were considered the favorites. On the other hand, NorthEast United, often seen as underdogs, had shown remarkable resilience throughout the competition.
Mohun Bagan’s Dominance
Mohun Bagan’s journey to the final was characterized by their dominance on the field. With a blend of experienced internationals and young Indian talents, they swept aside their opponents in the group stage and knockout rounds. The attacking trio of Dimitri Petratos, Hugo Boumous, and Liston Colaco had been in scintillating form, scoring goals for fun and terrorizing defenses. The midfield, marshaled by the ever-reliable Glan Martins, provided the perfect balance between attack and defense, while the backline, led by Pritam Kotal and Brendan Hamill, remained rock solid.
NorthEast United’s Resilience
NorthEast United, in contrast, had a more arduous path to the final. Their campaign was marked by hard-fought victories, often secured in the dying moments of the game. The team’s spirit and never-say-die attitude became their hallmark. The midfield engine room, powered by Rochharzela and Joseba Beitia, provided the creative spark, while Wilmar Jordan, the team’s talismanic striker, delivered crucial goals when it mattered most. The defense, led by Michael Jakobsen, was resilient and organized, with goalkeeper Mirshad Michu pulling off some incredible saves to keep the opposition at bay.
The Durand Cup Final: A Tactical Battle
As the final kicked off at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), it was clear that both teams were well-prepared and eager to seize the trophy. The atmosphere was electric, with fans of both clubs filling the stadium and millions more watching live across the country.
First Half: Cagey Affair
The first half of the match was a cagey affair, with both teams cautiously feeling each other out. Mohun Bagan tried to assert their dominance early on, controlling possession and probing the NorthEast United defense with quick passes and movement. However, NorthEast United held their ground, staying compact and disciplined in defense. Despite Mohun Bagan’s best efforts, clear-cut chances were few and far between, as the NorthEast United defense, marshaled by Jakobsen, stood firm.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
The second half saw the game burst into life, with both teams playing with greater urgency. Mohun Bagan came close to breaking the deadlock when Liston Colaco unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only to be denied by a stunning save from Michu. NorthEast United responded with a counter-attack, where Wilmar Jordan found himself one-on-one with Vishal Kaith, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper made a crucial stop to keep the score level.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Both teams pushed forward in search of a winner, but the defenses held strong, and the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, sending the game into extra time.
Extra Time: A Battle of Wills
Extra time was a true test of endurance and mental strength. Mohun Bagan looked to their bench, bringing on fresh legs in the form of Manvir Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan to inject pace and energy into their attack. NorthEast United made tactical changes as well, with Federico Gallego coming on to provide more creativity in midfield.
Despite the changes, neither team could find the breakthrough, and the game seemed destined for penalties. Mohun Bagan had a golden opportunity to win it in the dying moments of extra time when Hugo Boumous was brought down in the box, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals, much to the dismay of the Mohun Bagan players and fans.
Penalty Shootout: NorthEast United Triumphs
With the game still deadlocked after 120 minutes, the 2024 Durand Cup Final was to be decided by a penalty shootout. The tension was unbearable as both sets of fans watched on, knowing that the outcome would hinge on nerves and precision.
Mohun Bagan went first in the shootout, with Dimitri Petratos calmly converting his spot-kick. NorthEast United responded through Wilmar Jordan, who sent Vishal Kaith the wrong way. The shootout continued with both teams converting their penalties, making it 3-3 after the first three rounds.
The turning point came in the fourth round when Pritam Kotal stepped up for Mohun Bagan. The experienced defender, usually so reliable from the spot, saw his effort saved brilliantly by Mirshad Michu, diving to his left. NorthEast United took full advantage, with Gallego converting his penalty to put them 4-3 ahead.
It all came down to the final round. Mohun Bagan had to score to stay in the contest, but Liston Colaco’s shot rattled the crossbar and bounced out, sparking wild celebrations among the NorthEast United players and fans. NorthEast United had done it – they were the 2024 Durand Cup champions, winning 4-3 on penalties.
The Aftermath: A Historic Victory for NorthEast United
The victory was a momentous occasion for NorthEast United FC. It was their first major trophy since the club’s inception, and it marked a significant achievement for a team that had often been overshadowed by the giants of Indian football. The players, coaching staff, and fans celebrated long into the night, savoring the sweet taste of victory.
Individual Brilliance and Team Spirit
The final was a testament to the individual brilliance of players like Mirshad Michu and Wilmar Jordan, whose performances were instrumental in NorthEast United’s triumph. However, the victory was also a triumph of team spirit, tactical discipline, and resilience. NorthEast United had shown that with determination and belief, even the underdogs could rise to the top.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams
For Mohun Bagan, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had come so close to adding another trophy to their illustrious cabinet, only to fall short in the cruellest of fashions. However, there’s no doubt that Mohun Bagan will bounce back stronger, with their focus now shifting to the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.
As for NorthEast United, the 2024 Durand Cup victory could be a turning point in the club’s history. The triumph will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for the ISL campaign. With a newfound belief in their abilities and a trophy in their cabinet, NorthEast United will be eager to build on this success and establish themselves as one of the powerhouses of Indian football.