Kolkata: NorthEast United FC won their first-ever IndianOil Durand Cup title with a stunning comeback victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The thrilling final, held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, saw NorthEast United come back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 on penalties.
Mohun Bagan started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad. However, NorthEast United fought back in the second half, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez scoring within three minutes to level the match.
The game went to penalties, where NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh became the hero by saving two spot-kicks. Guillermo Fernandez, Michel Zabaco, Parthib Gogoi, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie successfully converted their penalties to secure the win for NorthEast United.
This victory marks NorthEast United’s first major trophy in Indian football. The team received a prize of INR 60,00,000 while runners-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant received INR 30,00,000.
Gurmeet Singh won the Golden Glove award, while Noah Sadaoui took home the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the tournament. Jithin M.S was named Man of the Tournament.