In the 133rd Durand Cup final, which was held hosted at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, NorthEast United FC defeated the defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties after completing an incredible comeback triumph after behind by two goals. 

This is the Highlanders’ first-ever Durand Cup victory and their first-ever Indian football trophy. Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad gave the reigning champs a 2-0 lead in the first half. After Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez tied the score in the second half, NorthEast goalie Gurmeet Singh saved two penalty kicks to seal the exciting victory for his team.

Following several years of inconsistent results both on and off the field, NorthEast United has exceeded expectations. While Juan Pedro Benali has them playing some gorgeous football on it, Mandar Tamhane is doing his magic off it. While international forwards Nestor, Guillermo, and Ajaraie, as well as the supporting cast of Thoi Singh and Parthib Gogoi, have excelled, Jithin MS’s comeback has been outstanding.

NorthEast United, what a story

Mohun Bagan had taken a two-goal lead in the first half, but NorthEast rallied in the second half, scoring twice in the final three minutes to tie the score at two goals at the end of regulation.

The game proceeded directly to penalty shootouts with no additional time allowed. NorthEast United goalie Gurmeet Singh made two saves to turn the tables on Mohun Bagan and give his team their first Durand Cup victory.

For certain fans of NorthEast United, such as club owner and actor John Abraham, who had traveled vast distances to witness the Highlanders win their first title ten years after its founding, it was a time of immense joy.

The home club, who had a 7-2 edge in the head-to-head analysis before this meeting, lost to the opposition and failed to capture the trophy for a record-tying 18th time, which devastated the approximately 50,000 fans of the home team.

Durand Cup 2024 Awards:

Golden Boot: With two hat-tricks against CISF Protectors and Mumbai City FC, Noah Sadaoui emerged as the tournament’s top striker. He receives a monetary award of five lakh rupees.

Golden Glove: Gurmeet Singh, who had three clean sheets and had an outstanding performance in the championship game, is tied for the best goalie award.

Best Player: Jithin MS wins the monetary award of five lakh rupees for being the best player.