Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in a Kolkata Derby final on Sunday. Vishal Kaith turned hero once again, pulling off two crucial saves in the penalty shootout, to send Mohun Bagan Super Giant into the final of the Durand Cup as the Mariners prevailed 4-3 against NorthEast United after the second semifinal ended 0-0 after regulation time on Thursday.
Sahal Abdul Samad won possession in the centre of the pitch just before half-time and, with NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh backpedalling, attempted an audacious effort from distance. The first shot on target came midway through the first half when Liston Colaco’s free-kick forced an excellent save from NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Moments later, Kiyan Nassiri opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than pick out his teammates inside the box, but his effort found the side-netting. Ajaraie was once again involved in another NorthEast United attack. The Moroccan collected a long ball on the left half and delivered a cross into the box, where Etyan Gonzalez rose to meet it. However, the Spanish striker could not direct his header towards the target.
In the end, both teams were content to try their luck in the penalty shootout as the match ended 0-0 at the end of regulation time.
With the wet conditions making it difficult for either side to play their preferred style, set-pieces became an important source of attacking opportunities, with the teams earning three corners each during this period.
