Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Jamshedpur FC 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to secure a place in the semifinals of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan today.
The quarter-final went down to sudden death in the shootout, with both teams converting their opening 16 penalties. Jamshedpur’s Lawmsangzuala was finally denied by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who made a crucial save before Tekcham Abhishek Singh converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Kolkata side through.
Mohun Bagan made a flying start, taking the lead in the second minute. Pronay Halder’s pass to Rashithoi Meetei was intercepted by Sahal Abdul Samad, who raced into the box and calmly placed his low shot into the bottom-right corner.
The early goal gave Mohun Bagan confidence as they pressed Jamshedpur high. However, the visitors gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities.
Jamshedpur came close in the 17th minute when Lalrhriatpuia Chawngthu sent Aman CK through on goal, but Kaith produced a sharp save at his near post. Chawngthu then came close to creating another opening from a free-kick in the 25th minute, with Pratik Chowdhary heading over.
Mohun Bagan had chances to double their advantage. Dejan Drazic missed a free header in the 27th minute before failing to connect cleanly with a volley six minutes later.
Jamshedpur’s pressure eventually paid off just before half-time. Rashithoi collected the ball outside the box and unleashed a long-range effort. Kaith could only parry the shot, allowing Devendra Murgaonkar to follow up and score from close range.
The second half saw both sides attacking with greater urgency. Sahal came close to restoring Mohun Bagan’s lead in the 49th minute but curled his effort over the crossbar. Alberto Rodriguez also headed wide from a corner two minutes later.
Mohun Bagan missed a major opportunity in the 63rd minute when Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes came off his line and failed to clear the ball. Sahal won possession and squared it to Liston Colaco, but the forward could not control the chance with the goal open.
Jamshedpur continued to threaten through Aman CK, who caused problems for the Mohun Bagan defence throughout the match. He created another chance in the 66th minute for Sanan Mohammed, whose first-time effort went over and wide.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages despite sustained attacking pressure. Substitute Sayan Banerjee came close for Mohun Bagan in the 79th minute, while his late effort from distance in stoppage time forced Albino into a save.
With the score still level after 90 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties, where Kaith’s save and Abhishek Singh’s successful final kick settled the contest.
Mohun Bagan will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC in the semifinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on August 20.
