Durand Cup 2024: Mohan Bagan will go with the intention of winning the title for the 18th time, will face Northeast United

The Durand Cup has reached its final stage. In the grand finale of the 133rd edition of this competition, Mohan Bagan SG and Northeast United FC will face off to become champions. Football fans of the country are eagerly waiting for this high-stakes match, which will be played on Saturday, 31 August at 5:30 pm at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The defending champions, Mohan Bagan SG, are set to defend their title in the final match on Saturday. Mohan Bagan, who won the title 17 times before this, is the team to win the most Durand Cup titles in the history of the competition.

The Mariners dominated the group stage, winning all of their matches while scoring seven goals and conceding none, demonstrating their resilience and dominance. They advanced to the quarterfinals, where they faced Punjab FC in a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 tie in regulation time, with Bagan winning on penalties. Vishal Kaith's heroics in the penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in normal time secured the Kolkata giants' place in the Durand Cup final for the second time in a row. Mohun Bagan's attack is led by Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos, and Liston Colaso, with Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad supporting in the midfield. Their defense has been well-fortified by players like Alberto, Thomas Aldred Subhasish Bose, and the ever-reliable Vishal Kaith who have all been crucial in stopping the opposition attacks.

NorthEast United FC has created history by reaching the Durand Cup final for the first time by defeating their arch-rivals Shillong Lajong in the semi-finals. ‘The Highlanders’ dominated the group stage as well, winning all three matches with 10 goals scored while conceding just one goal. Under the guidance of tactician Juan Pedro Benali, they showcased their tactical prowess and defensive solidity by easily defeating the Indian Army in the quarter-finals. In the Northeastern Derby against Shillong Lajong FC, NorthEast United secured their place in the final with a stunning 3-0 win in the semi-finals. The core strength of the team is highlighted by Guillermo Fernandez and Jithin MS, who are tied as the second-highest scorers in the competition, making their attack a vital asset in their quest for glory.

Fans are looking forward to the match between Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC, who have overcome the odds to reach the final for the first time. NorthEast United FC will seek to add the Durand Cup to their trophy cabinet and make history. Watch all of the blockbuster goals and high-octane drama from the Durand Cup, which airs exclusively on Sony Sports Network.