Published on Aug 20:
SHILLONG: Defending champions NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Durand Cup after suffering a 4-3 defeat on penalties against Mohun Bagan in the second semi-final in Shillong today.
The closely fought contest ended goalless in regulation time, with neither side managing to find the breakthrough. Mohun Bagan held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure victory and book their place in the final.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in a Kolkata Derby in the final on Sunday.
Both sides struggled to establish control in midfield during the opening 20 minutes, with the wet conditions making it difficult to build sustained passing moves. As a result, both teams frequently opted for long balls over the defensive line in an attempt to create attacking opportunities.
The first shot on target came midway through the first half when Liston Colaco's free-kick forced an excellent save from NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Moments later, Kiyan Nassiri opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than pick out his teammates inside the box, but his effort found the side-netting.
At the half-hour mark, Alaaeddine Ajaraie saw his volley narrowly miss the post after bringing down a high ball from a set-piece. With the wet conditions making it difficult for either side to play their preferred style, set-pieces became an important source of attacking opportunities, with the teams earning three corners each during this period.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the opening period, with both sides continuing to struggle to create clear-cut opportunities. NorthEast United came closest to breaking the deadlock around the hour mark when Alaaeddine Ajaraie narrowly failed to connect with a well-drilled low cross from the right flank by Abdul Rabeeh.
Ajaraie was once again involved in another NorthEast United attack. The Moroccan collected a long ball on the left half and delivered a cross into the box, where Etyan Gonzalez rose to meet it. However, the Spanish striker could not direct his header towards the target.
NorthEast United continued to create the better chances in a contest where clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium. Macarton Nickson came close after a well-worked move that began on the left flank before the ball was switched to the right and crossed into his path. However, his effort from inside the box found the side-netting.
After both teams converted their first three penalties, the shootout remained finely balanced. Robin Yadav stepped up to take NorthEast United's fourth kick but saw his effort brilliantly saved by Vishal Kaith. Jamie Maclaren then calmly converted to put Mohun Bagan ahead before Kaith produced another outstanding save to deny Parthib Gogoi, sending
Mohun Bagan into the final, to face arch-rivals East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby.
PHOTO CAPTION: Action from the second semifinal in Shillong.