NorthEast United FC staged a remarkable comeback to win the 133rd Durand Cup on Saturday at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata, defeating defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties 3-4.
Down 2-0 in the first half, NorthEast United equalized through Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez in a span of three minutes in the second half. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to secure the Highlanders’ first-ever silverware by lifting the Durand Cup.
Mohun Bagan had taken an early lead with goals from Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad, but NorthEast United’s resilience and tactical adjustments led them to a historic victory in Indian football, becoming the fist team from the football-crazy region to win the oldest football tournament in Asia.
Meanwhile, two of the three individual trophies, too, went to the Highlanders as custodian Gurmeet Singh took home the golden glove while the brilliant Jithin MS was named the best player of the tournament.
Noah Sadaoui of Kerala Blasters FC was the top scorer in the 2024 Durand Cup, earning the Golden Boot award after scoring six goals.