Mohun Bagan vs NorthEast United: What happened last time in Durand Cup?

Both the sides met in Durand Cup 2024 final last time.

An entertaining clash awaits as Mohun Bagan SG travel all the way to Shillong to play the defending champions NorthEast United FC in the semifinal 2 of Durand Cup 2026. The high-stake match is scheduled to be played in the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, Shillong with a 7:00 pm kickoff on 20th August, Thursday. The crowd is expected to show up in numbers with the tickets already being sold out online.

However, this clash between Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United is not something of less value. In fact, the last time they met in the Durand Cup led to something so special that its impact is still felt in the tournament. It was the Durand Cup 2024 final played on 31st August at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata, which witnessed the rise of NorthEast United FC and their star Alaaeddine Ajaraie. 

In this article we take a look at what happened in the Durand Cup 2024 final when these two sides last faced each other in the tournament as we head into this high-stake semifinal.

A half dominated by Mohun Bagan SG

The match was for sure a tale of two halves. Mohun Bagan SG led by head coach Jose Molina were eyeing a historic record making 18th Durand Cup title as they entered the match.

The Mariners were fully dominating the first half and looked completely in control. Mohun Bagan SG took the lead in the first few minutes after the Highlanders conceded a silly penalty which was converted by Jason Cummings giving Mohun Bagan SG a 1-0 lead early on in the game. They nearly doubled their lead when Greg Stewart came one on one against Gurmeet Singh only to chip the ball above the goal.

The Highlanders were looking a little shaky and uncomfortable and were hoping for the first half to end quickly so that they could regroup and come back stronger. However, minutes before the first half ended, Mohun Bagan SG doubled their lead courtesy of a superb goal from Sahal Abdul Samad.

Things became worse for the Highlanders, the Mariners were fully in control, but they didn’t know what was about to hit them in the second half.

A comeback to remember for years to come

The second half began with NorthEast United FC chasing the game after being 2-0 down. The Moroccan star Alaaeddine Ajaraie who was still new to the team opened up scoring for the Highlanders at the 55th minute with a sublime finish. Just three minutes later, the second half substitute Guillermo Fernandez scored the 2nd goal for NorthEast United FC making things level.

These 3 minutes completely changed the game; the fortune now started to turn in NorthEast United’s favour. The Highlanders came very close to scoring the winner in the second half, but things ended 2-2 which meant that the game now went to a penalty shootout. NorthEast United FC were at a disadvantage keeping in mind the number of youngsters they had and also losing out on penalties the previous season to East Bengal in the semifinals.

But a hero rose from the ashes, the NorthEast United FC goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh pulled off exceptional saves and stunned the Marines winning the Durand Cup 2024 final 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Gurmeet for his expectational performance in the tournament was also awarded the golden glove.

The stadium, which had been filled with Mohun Bagan chants throughout the game, was now roaring with NorthEast United fans in celebration. With players and supporters in tears of joy, NorthEast United FC lifted their first ever piece of silverware, perhaps marking the beginning of an era of dominance for the Highlanders.

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