In Durand Cup 2023 finals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Mumbai City FC 3-1 in the fourth quarterfinal round. It was contested at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Mohun Bagan scored the winning goals through Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, and Anwar AAli. While Mumbai City FC got the equalizer through Jorge Pereyra Diaz. On August 31, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa will face off in the semifinals.
Bagan Mohun Super Giant made a fresh signing to begin. With Ashique Kuruniyan and Manvir Singh serving as wingbacks. The defense is composed of Hector Yuste, Anwar Ali, and Subhasish Bose. For the home team, Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku are the front-runners in the assault. Greg Stewart, Alberto Noguera, and Apuia began for Mumbai against Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Hugo Boumous for Mohun Bagan as both managers stacked their midfields with top talent. For Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City, respectively, Vishal Kaith and Phurba Lachenpa made their debuts in goal.
It was challenging to open up much space via the centre of the field due to both sides cancelling each other’s plays throughout the first exchanges of the game due to the high quality in the middle of the field. From the left flank, Ashique Kuruniyan began to open up space, and his pass behind the defence caused Mumbai custodian Phurba Lachnepa to awkwardly bring down Jason Cummings.
The Australian calmly converted the ensuing penalty to give Kolkata’s team the lead. Mumbai began to control the game and were having difficulty stopping Mohun Bagan’s defence. Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s equaliser for the Islanders in the 28th minute brought about the desired outcome.
Alberto Noguera and Greg Stewart effectively collaborated on the left side. After the latter’s cross deflected off custodian Vishal Kaith, it fell into the path of the advancing Argentinian. He skillfully used his chest to redirect the ball into the net.
Mohun Bagan’s dominant performance
As soon as Mohun Bagan seized the lead, the Islanders were pushed back. Manvir Singh headed Hugo Boumous’s looping cross expertly into the goal, energising the fans. Manvir recovered the midfielder’s errant pass, but he rushed his left-footed shot, which flew over the crossbar as Mohun Bagan headed into the half leading by one goal.
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Even though Mumbai had the ball most of the time, Mohun Bagan was the team taking opportunities. In the 63rd minute, Anwar Ali kept the team’s two-goal advantage.
As Mohun Bagan played strong defence, neutralising both wingers Bipin and L. Chhangte, who are often the sources of goals for Mumbai City, Mumbai ran out of ideas in the centre. Gurkirat Singh, a substitute, attempted to make a difference in the last moments, but the Islanders were unable to stop the Mariners from scoring.
In the end, Mohun Bagan won the Durand Cup 2023 and qualified for the semifinals, earning them the right to brag about defeating India’s top two football teams.