The stage is set at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as Mohun Bagan Super Giant face NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final on Saturday. The Highlanders are eager to claim their first-ever major title, while the Mariners are aiming for an 18th Durand Cup victory in front of their home crowd.
Head-to-Head
In their last 10 meetings across all competitions, Mohun Bagan have clearly dominated NorthEast United with seven wins, two losses, and a draw. Interestingly, this will be their first clash in a Durand Cup fixture. However, in five previous away fixtures against Bagan, the Highlanders have failed to secure a win.
The Green-and-maroon brigade have consistently scored at least two goals in each of these encounters. Their most recent meeting was in the Indian Super League (ISL) in February 2024, where Mohun Bagan secured an emphatic 4-2 victory in Kolkata.
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Mohun Bagan
After topping Group A, Bagan faced Punjab FC in the quarterfinal and Bengaluru FC (BFC) in the semi-final. Both matches went to penalty shootouts, with Vishal Kaith’s heroics helping secure a place in the final. Despite conceding early goals in both games, Bagan displayed resilience by coming from behind. Though their defence, featuring two foreign centre-backs, has conceded five goals, coach Jose Molina remains unconcerned.
The most encouraging aspect for Molina has been his attacking players, who have stepped up when needed. Against BFC, despite trailing 2-0, their calm and persistent pressing led to a 2-2 draw, with the team ultimately winning in the shootout. In four matches, they have scored 12 goals.
Molina’s formation and lineup choices have been unpredictable, but he often opts for a back-three formation (3-4-1-2 vs Indian Force, 3-4-3 vs Punjab, 3-5-2 vs Bengaluru). Captain Subhasish Bose, who was injured and substituted early in the semi-final, has fully recovered and is fit to play in the final.
NorthEast United
Under Juan Pedro Benali, the Highlanders are on the brink of winning their first major title. In Group E, they won all three matches against Bodoland FC (2-0), Border Security Force FC (4-0), and Odisha FC (5-1). In the quarterfinals, they defeated Army Red (2-0) and won 3-0 against Shillong Lajong in the semi-finals.
So far, they have conceded only one goal, showcasing their defensive solidity. Their attackers have also been prolific, scoring 16 goals in five matches. Benali has primarily used a 4-2-3-1 formation, though his record against Bagan is less than impressive with the same formation. In two matches, he has lost both, conceding seven goals while scoring only three. It will be interesting to see if he sticks with the same formation that has been working well for him now.
Players to Watch
Mohun Bagan
After two dramatic games, Vishal Kaith has become a key figure, with fans hoping for another stellar performance from the Indian goalkeeper in the final. Jason Cummings will also be one to watch, as he aims to score his fourth goal of this Durand Cup edition. He has won both previous encounters against NorthEast, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Liston Colaco, however, might be the player to cause the most trouble for the Highlanders, as they have been his favourite opponent. In 10 matches against NorthEast, he has scored eight goals (four for Hyderabad FC, four for Bagan) and provided two assists. Throughout this tournament, Colaco has been one of the liveliest players on the pitch. His pace, ability to cut inside, take long-range shots, and deliver quality crosses and through balls has been outstanding.
NorthEast United
The Highlanders’ attackers have been lethal throughout the tournament. Spanish forward Guillermo Fernandez has scored four goals and provided two assists in five games. Additionally, two Indian wingers have caught the eye with their performances. Thoi Singh, with two goals and one assist in four matches, has impressed, while Jithin MS has been a revelation with six-goal involvements (four goals, two assists) in five matches.
Their free-flowing football and coordination have made them a formidable attacking force. Defensively, credit must be given to centre-backs Michel Zabaco, Hamza Regragui, and Asheer Akhtar, who have been solid throughout the tournament. One of them has featured in every game, reflecting the trust Benali places in them.
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