Mohun Bagan Super Giant prevailed 9-8 in a sudden-death penalty shootout against Jamshedpur FC, while defending champions NorthEast United FC pulled off a 5-2 comeback win to set up a semifinal clash in the 135th Durand Cup.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged past Jamshedpur FC 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Salt Lake Stadium to book a spot in the semifinals of the 135th Durand Cup. Sahal Abdul Samad put Bagan ahead in just the second minute, but Devendra Murgaonkar equalised for Jamshedpur FC in the 45th minute.
With no provision for extra-time under tournament regulations, the match moved directly to a penalty shootout. Both teams scored their first five attempts to force sudden-death, keeping score tied 8-8 through 16 successful kicks. Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith then saved an effort from Jamshedpur's Lawmsangzuala, setting up Tekcham Abhishek Singh to score the decisive penalty.
Despite registering 24 attempts at goal, Bagan managed only eight shots on target. Jamshedpur FC, who announced the dissolution of the club during the tournament, put up a spirited performance with an all-Indian lineup before exiting the competition.
In the fourth quarterfinal at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, defending champion NorthEast United FC staged a 5-2 comeback victory over Shillong Lajong FC. Down 2-1 at half-time following goals from Lajong's Figo Syndai (20') and Joao Morais (34'), NorthEast United stormed back with a hat-trick from Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie—his second of the tournament—and additional goals from Spaniard Etyan Gonzalez (55') and Jithin M.S. (79').
NorthEast United FC will now face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semifinals at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Thursday.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.