Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) edged out a resilient Punjab FC 6-5 in sudden-death penalties, advancing to the semi-finals of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup. The thrilling quarter-final ended 3-3 in regulation time at the Tata Steel Sports Complex stadium. Scottish defender Thomas Aldred secured the decisive penalty for the Mariners, beating keeper Ravi Kumar and sealing victory in a fiercely contested match.
The Shers opened the scoring with a penalty by Luka Majcen early in the first half, but MBSG responded with goals from Suhail Bhat and Manvir Singh on either side of halftime. However, Punjab FC regained the lead with consecutive goals from Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak and Argentine forward Norberto Vidal. MBSG’s Australian striker Jason Cummings equalised in the 79th minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout as extra time was not an option.
In the penalty shootout, Cummings missed MBSG’s first attempt, but Mariners’ keeper Vishal Kaith saved Punjab’s Croatian defender Novoselec’s crucial fifth kick, keeping the contest alive. Greg Stewart equalised for MBSG, and as the match moved into sudden death, Melroy Assisi converted for Punjab, while Subhashish Bose and Aldred scored for MBSG. Kaith’s second save, this time off Denechandram Meetei, proved decisive, securing the win for MBSG. Other scorers in the shootout for MBSG included Manvir, Liston Colaco, and Dimi Petratos, while Vinit Rai, Vidal, Bakenga, and Mrzljak scored for Punjab.
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MBSG’s coach Jose Molena made four changes to his starting lineup from the previous game, while Punjab’s new Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two changes from their match against Mumbai City. Despite MBSG’s early dominance in attack, Punjab struck first. A quick one-two between Luka and Vinit led to Vinit being brought down inside the Mariners’ penalty area by Spanish central defender Alberto Martin, resulting in a penalty that Luka converted.
The equaliser for MBSG came just before halftime, with Liston setting up Greg Stewart, whose shot deflected off Suhail and wrongfooted Ravi Kumar to find the back of the net. Molena made two substitutions during the break, bringing on Jason Cummings and Manvir Singh. The Shers introduced Vidal in place of Ashis Pradhan.
Manvir quickly made an impact, scoring after being set up by Sahal, who received a pass from the promising Abhishek. The goal prompted Panagiotis to introduce Norwegian signing Bakenga, who came on for skipper Luka Majcen. After a clever move from Vinit Rai, Punjab equalised minutes later when Mrzljak unleashed a powerful left-footer.
Punjab regained the lead with Vidal’s clinical left-footed finish after a run orchestrated by Mrzljak. However, MBSG responded with a brilliant left-footed volley from Cummings, set up by Manvir’s header, forcing the match into penalties, where MBSG ultimately emerged victorious, leaving Punjab FC heartbroken.