Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) continued their quest for a record-breaking 18th Durand Cup title by edging past Bengaluru FC (BFC) in a dramatic penalty shootout at Salt Lake Stadium. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time in the semi-final, Vishal Kaith delivered another heroic performance as MBSG triumphed 4-3 in the shootout.
Though there were no tifos in the stadium, MBSG fan groups displayed banners to show their support. Jose Molina fielded his strongest possible XI, giving Dimitri Petratos a chance to shine. Lalengmawia Ralte and Anirudh Thapa were tasked with winning the midfield battles in a back-three formation. However, the home side appeared nervous, as BFC applied pressure initially. In the first 20 minutes, MBSG struggled to find a rhythm, with BFC denying them space to launch meaningful attacks.
Things took a turn for the worse when captain Subhasish Bose was injured and had to be replaced by Dippendu Biswas. However, MBSG fans were pleased with the youngster’s approach and game sense. Both Alberto Rodriguez and Dippendu made crucial challenges in the box to prevent the opposition from taking the lead. Petratos, who started as the forward, began dropping deeper as the game progressed to create chances, delivering some quality crosses into the box.
Meanwhile, a section of the crowd began chanting “Justice for R.G. Kar,” about the ongoing unrest in Kolkata. In the 41st minute, Liston Colaco brought down Vinith Venkatesh, leading the referee to award a penalty to BFC. Replays suggested the tackle might have occurred just outside the box, but the penalty stood, and Sunil Chhetri converted from the spot.
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This spurred the Green and Maroon brigade into action, and they began creating chances. Colaco made a brilliant run and unleashed a shot that struck the crossbar. MBSG’s in-form player, Jason Cummings, then attempted an audacious side volley from a corner, but Gurpreet Singh made a great save. Moments later, Thapa delivered a cross, and Alberto’s header hit the post. The half ended with BFC leading 1-0.
In the second half, MBSG came out desperate for an equaliser. With 18,342 fans in attendance, the supporters acted as the team’s 12th man, backing them relentlessly. However, against the run of play, Vinith scored to make it 2-0 for Bengaluru, leaving the MBSG players frustrated. Molina responded by bringing on Greg Stewart for Tom Aldred, pushing the home side into full attack mode. Although MBSG created several chances, BFC’s defenders somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net. Fans were left stunned when Stewart missed an open goal, as nothing seemed to be going right for Molina’s side.
Finally, in the 66th minute, MBSG were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Petratos stepped up and calmly converted from the spot. MBSG continued to pile on the pressure, but Aleksandar Jovanovic made some crucial tackles to keep them at bay. In the 83rd minute, Thapa unleashed a stunning long-range strike that left Gurpreet rooted to the spot, bringing the score to 2-2. The crowd erupted in celebration. Throughout the game, the India midfielder made some exquisite passes and long, precise deliveries, but this goal was the crowning moment.
With the score tied, the match went to penalties. MBSG emerged victorious, 4-3 after Kaith saved Hali Charan Narzary’s shot. However, when it seemed Stewart would seal the victory for the home side, Gurpreet made a tremendous save to his right. Ultimately, it was Kaith again who saved Jovanovic’s shot, securing the win for MBSG.
As soon as the match ended, fans displayed two tifos related to the ongoing R.G. Kar protests, with chants for justice echoing around the stadium. Finally, the MBSG players applauded their supporters as chants in honour of Kaith brought an electrifying game to a close.
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