What happened last time when NorthEast United FC played Durand Cup Final?

NorthEast United FC will play their second consecutive Durand Cup final on Saturday, against Diamond Harbour FC.

NorthEast United FC seem to have transitioned into a new era. When they take the field on Saturday in the Durand Cup final, the Highlanders will aim to transform this conjecture into conviction. The defending Durand Cup champions have again made their way to the summit clash, with an unbeaten record in the campaign. They will be facing Diamond Harbour FC in their last lap to Durand Cup glory.

NorthEast United FC will have only one objective to achieve on Saturday evening – to replicate what they did in last year’s Durand Cup final. The Highlanders met the 17-time Durand Cup champions Mohun Bagan in the last edition’s final. It was a battle that put their character, resolve, and resilience to the test. In this article, we will reminisce about the nerve-racking final of Durand Cup 2024.

Also Read: NorthEast United FC vs Diamond Harbour FC Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | Durand Cup 2025 Final

Highlanders on their mission to dismantle Mariners

NorthEast United FC had qualified for their first-ever Durand Cup final. The club had not witnessed any glory in their first decade of existence, and this final was going to be a big occasion. The opponents were the defending Durand Cup champions Mohun Bagan, who had their dreams of winning their 18th Durand Cup title on the line.

The Highlanders started the final on the front foot with a few impressive attacking moves. But when you’re playing against Mohun Bagan, danger is always lurking around. NorthEast United relented in the first 10 minutes as they conceded a penalty, which was converted by Jason Cummings to put Mohun Bagan in the lead.

After the opening goal, Mohun Bagan were all over the Highlanders. The constant pressure resulted in the Mariners doubling their lead at the cusp of half-time, with Sahal Abdul Samad finishing a cross from Liston Colaco on the first touch.

Also Read: NorthEast United FC vs Diamond Harbour FC Live Streaming: Where and how to watch Durand Cup 2025 final?

Redemption in second half

To make it to the summit clash, a team should have the grit to fight when adversity looms large. NorthEast United displayed their remarkable grit in the second half. The second 45 minutes were about the Highlanders scripting their own comeback story.

It did not take more than 15 minutes for NorthEast United to bring the match to parity. The quest to comeback achieved its first breakthrough when the Moroccan talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored in the 55th minute from just inside the box with a brilliant shot to shock Vishal Kaith. Within three minutes, the Highlander Brigade had the opportunity to celebrate again as Guillermo scored a piledriver of a goal with a volley.

The drama had just begun. With both teams on equal terms, the last half an hour was nothing short of a battle. Attacks and counterattacks, with ruthlessness being the key ingredient. The match could not find a winner in the regulation time and went into the penalties.

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025 final: Three key battles to watch in NorthEast United vs Diamond Harbour FC

Drama in penalties

The ultimate contest of the tournament proved to be an entertainer of the highest order order with it being decided in the penalties. To make the first assault, both teams went with experienced campaigners. Cummings converted for Mohun Bagan, whereas Guillermo replied with his successful attempt. Teams continued the momentum with Manvir and Zabaco scoring the second goal for Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United, respectively.

Drama unfolded when Liston Colaco missed his attempt as Gurmeet stepped up to produce a save. This missed opportunity was pounced upon by NorthEast United as Parthib Gogoi converted the third one. The fourth attempt did not go in vain for the Mariners as Dimitrios Petratos was on target but the pressure was still on them with Alaaeddine Ajaraie not missing his chance.

The Mariners had to score on the last attempt and produce a save to keep the match alive. But the first task was converting the penalty before thinking of stopping one. However, Subhasish Bose found Gurmeet impregnable as he shot in the centre. Gurmeet’s convincing save turned the dreams of NorthEast United fans into reality. The Highlanders had finally won a silverware after facing heartbreak for a decade. The barrier was broken, and the promised land was in front of their eyes. Durand Cup found a new champion to continue its legacy.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.