Story of the match
Even though Mohun Bagan started at a slow pace, they accelerated as the minutes passed. Their midfield, spearheaded by Joseba Beitia was playing free-flowing football. Young Nongdomba Naorem combined well with the Spaniard and played short passes between themselves. For the first time in a while, Mohun Bagan was creative in the playmaking zone. Beitia’s shot in the 14th minute was fisted away by Real Kashmir FC’s custodian.
Nongdamba Naorem also tried his luck with a long ranger soon after, but the ball sailed away from the target. A clinical cross from Gurjinder Kumar was tapped in by Salva Chamorro in the 42nd minute. The ball rocketed into the target giving Bagan the lead. Mohun Bagan created enough opportunities throughout the game to double the lead but lacked the goal-scoring prowess.
A mostly boring second half came alive after Gnohere Krizo headed the ball in the 93rd minute of the match to extend the match into extra-time. The goal silenced the crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium for a while. Super-sub VP Suhair scored a brace in extra-time to snatch the game away from Real Kashmir FC. Another substitute, Fran Gonzalez assisted both the goals.
The equalizer in the 93rd minute of the regulation time was a bitter pill to swallow, but coach Vicuna feels that his team really played well and much better than their opponent.
Substitutes Fran Gonzalez and Suhair VP made the difference for Mohun Bagan. Llauding their efforts in the field, Vicuna said:
Meanwhile, Salva Chamorro expressed his happiness with the condition of the field and feels that their game improved playing at the Salt Lake Stadium.
What’s next?
This will be the first time since 2004 that Mohun Bagan will play in the final of the Durand Cup. East Bengal was the winner in that edition defeating their arch-rivals 2-1. Mohun Bagan will be up against Gokulam Kerala FC in the title clash on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium.
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