Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Mumbai City FC (MCFC) in the last quarterfinal of the Durand Cup 2023 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The match was a battle of the champions, as both teams had clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) trophies in the past seasons. MBSG, the current ISL winner, had to fend off a resilient fight from MCFC, the ISL League Winner’s Shield holder, to advance to the semifinals.
The match began with a fast pace, as both teams sought an early advantage. MBSG had the first opportunity in the 10th minute, when Amrinder Singh saved Roy Krishna’s header from a corner. MCFC replied with a counter-attack, but Sandesh Jhingan blocked Hugo Boumous’ shot. The first goal came in the 23rd minute, when MBSG’s star midfielder Edu Garcia bent a free-kick into the top corner, leaving Amrinder stranded.
MCFC did not give up and leveled the score in the 34th minute, when Adam Le Fondre capitalized on a loose ball in the box and placed it past Arindam Bhattacharya. The first half ended with the scoreline 1-1, with both teams having chances to take the lead.
The second half witnessed more drama, as MBSG regained their lead in the 51st minute, when David Williams scored from a penalty after he was brought down by Mourtada Fall. MCFC contested the decision, claiming that Williams had fallen too easily, but the referee was not convinced. MCFC tried to equalize again, but MBSG’s defense stood strong.
The game seemed to be going towards MBSG’s victory, when MCFC scored a stunning equalizer in the 88th minute. Ahmed Jahouh fired a long-range shot from outside the box that curved past Arindam and hit the post before going in. The MCFC players and fans celebrated wildly, as they thought they had pushed the game to extra time.
However, MBSG had other ideas and scored a dramatic winner in the injury time. Krishna received a pass from Garcia and dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Amrinder and found the net. The MBSG players and fans erupted in joy, as they sealed their place in the semifinals.
The final whistle blew soon after, and MBSG emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. They will face Army Green in the semifinals on Wednesday, while MCFC will have to wait for the next season to challenge for the Durand Cup title.
The match was a display of the diversity and quality of Indian football, as both teams featured players from different countries and backgrounds. The match also had its share of controversy and drama, as both teams argued with the referee over some decisions. The match was watched by a large crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers on television and online platforms.
The Durand Cup is one of the oldest and prestigious football tournaments in India and Asia. It is organized by the Indian Army and features teams from various leagues and divisions. The tournament started on August 5 and will end on September 3 with the final at the Salt Lake Stadium .
