Mohun Bagan Super Giants edged past FC Goa tp set up a thrilling Kolkata Derby clash in the Durand Cup 2023 Final. East Bengal on the other hand stage a brilliant comeback against NorthEast United FC. They beat the Highlighlanders in penalties, coming from a 2-0 trail.
As mariners set up the summit clash, they will look to avenge the narrow 1-0 loss earlier this month in the first Kolkata Derby of the year. Nandhakumar Sekar’s lone goal gave East Bengal three points and a historic victory. It was the first win in the Kolkata derby since January 2019.
FC Goa 1-2 Mohun Bagan: Mariners edge past to set up Kolkata Derby…
Road to Kolkata Derby:
Mohun Bagan’s failure almost cost them a place in the quarterfinals, as Mohammedan Sporting came within a goal of knocking them out on goal difference for the second fortunate loser slot.
However, Mohun Bagan demonstrated that they deserved to advance to the semifinals by defeating Mumbai City FC in a tactical match in which Juan Ferrando outwitted Des Buckingham’s three-center-back system with a stretched five-at-the-back defensive line.
Importantly, their recent foreign acquisitions Jason Cummings and Armando Sadikou have both scored goals and have been integrating seamlessly into the Mohun Bagan formation’s established core. Despite their comparable playing styles, Sahal Abdul Samad and Hugo Boumous were both accommodated by Ferrando in the queue. Now they aim for revenge as they face the red and gold brigade yet again in Kolkata Derby.
Under new manager Carles Cuadret, East Bengal are experiencing a renaissance of their own. The Kolkata giants marched to victory against Mohun Bagan SG in Kolkata Derby and Punjab FC after an unfortunate tie in the opening match against Bangladesh Army FT.
They faced a high-flying Gokulam Kerala team in the quarterfinal and still managed to outwit the Malabarians. The Highlanders, though, put up a far harder fight. Northeast United had a two-goal advantage going into the final quarter of the game, but Mahesh grabbed one back just before the water break in the 77th minute, rekindling the hopes of the stadium’s packed spectators. Nandhakumar scores a much-anticipated equaliser in the waning minutes of extra time to bring the game to penalties. They edged 5-2 to set up the final after two decades of wait.
