On the basis of Gurmeet Singh’s brilliant goalkeeping, Northeast United FC has won the title of Durand Cup football, Asia’s oldest tournament. The team defeated defending champions Mohun Bagan 4-3 in a shootout despite trailing by 2 goals in the final match of the 133rd season. Northeast United’s team has become champion for the first time in this tournament. Not only this, this is also the club’s first trophy in Indian football. The final match at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday night remained tied at 2-2 till the scheduled time. In such a situation, the champion was decided by shootout. 24-year-old Gurmeet Singh stopped Liston Colaco’s goal in the third attempt. Then in the 5th attempt, he stopped Mohun Bagan captain Subhashish Bose’s shot and turned the match in his team’s favor. Mohun Bagan had to be content with being in second place for the 13th time. Northeast United FC owner Bollywood actor John Abraham was also present to watch this match. Such was the thrill of the shootout
During the shootout, Guillermo Fernandez, captain Miguel Jabako Tom, Parthib Gogoi and Alaedin Azraai scored goals from Northeast United. On the other hand, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh and Dimitrios Petratos scored goals from Mohun Bagan’s side. Liston Colaco and captain Subhasish Bose missed the goal. Who won what Mohun Bagan was leading 2-0 till half time
In the final match, Mohun Bagan’s team was leading 2-0 till the first half. Jason Cummins and Sahal Abdul Samad scored goals from the defending champions’ side. Cummins scored a goal on penalty, while Samad scored a field goal just before half time. In the second half, Alaedin Azara (55th minute) and Guillermo Fernandez (58th minute) scored goals to level the score. Then in the shootout, Northeast’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh saved two penalties and ensured his team’s victory. Durand Cup is 136 years old
The Durand Cup tournament is the oldest tournament in Asia. It is the 5th oldest football tournament in the world. It started in Shimla in 1888. So far, 133 seasons of the tournament have been played.
