The match ended 2-2 in regulation time at Salt Lake Stadium. Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh was pivotal in the victory, making crucial saves to secure the win.
Gurmeet delivered exceptional performances during the penalty shootout.He notably thwarted Liston Colaco’s third strike and stood firm against Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose on the fifth attempt. His brilliant judgment and footwork were instrumental in NorthEast United FC’s triumph.
The goals in the shootout for NorthEast United FC came from Guillermo Fernandez, Miguel Zabaco Tome, Parthib Gogoi, and Alaaeddine Ajaraei. For Mohun Bagan, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, and Dimitri Petratos found the net but could not secure the victory.
Mohun Bagan had to settle for their 13th runners-up finish in the 133rd edition of Asia’s oldest tournament.
For NorthEast United FC, which was established a decade ago and is owned by actor John Abraham, the victory marks their first-ever silverware. The moment was made even sweeter by the passionate home crowd of Mohun Bagan fans at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who had made crucial saves in previous matches, was left despondent as the NorthEast United FC players celebrated their historic win on the pitch.
The game was characterized by a tale of two halves. Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan side dominated the first half, scoring twice. Jason Cummings struck the first goal from a penalty in the 11th minute, followed by Sahal Abdul Samad’s goal in stoppage time (45+5’).
Despite their strong start, Mohun Bagan could not maintain their lead. The Highlanders changed the dynamics of the game with two quick goals immediately after the restart.
Alaaeddine Ajaraei scored in the 55th minute, and second-half substitute Guillermo Fernandez equalized just three minutes later.
Jithin MS played a significant role for NorthEast United FC. He controlled a flick-on from Guillermo and set up Ajaraei, who fired a shot into the near post. The goal left Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Kaith with no chance of making a save.
The tactical substitution by Juan Pedro Benali, NorthEast United FC’s coach, proved decisive. Bringing Guillermo in place of Thoi Singh turned the tide in their favor. Guillermo made a huge impact, scoring a powerful volley into the top of the net from an Ajaraei cross.
In the 68th minute, NorthEast United FC almost took the lead when Jithin unleashed a powerful volley from outside the box. However, Vishal Kaith made an impressive save to keep the game level, leading to a penalty shootout.
During the first half, Mohun Bagan appeared to be in complete control. They capitalized on a defensive error by NorthEast United’s Asheer Akhtar.
Akhtar tugged Sahal Abdul Samad’s jersey in the box, leading to a penalty. Jason Cummings calmly converted the spot-kick to give Mohun Bagan the lead.
Greg Stewart also had a chance to double the lead for Mohun Bagan in the 19th minute. He navigated past defenders Dinesh Singh and Mohammed Ali Bemammer but sent the ball over the bar in a one-on-one with Gurmeet.
NorthEast United FC had their chances too. In the 22nd minute, Jithin met a cross from the right and aimed a header towards goal, but Vishal Kaith made a comfortable save.
Mohun Bagan doubled their lead through a well-executed move by Liston Colaco. Colaco drifted from the left flank and set up Sahal Abdul Samad, who was perfectly positioned to score with a first-touch finish.
Benali’s tactical adjustments in the second half made a significant difference. Mohun Bagan appeared complacent and failed to defend their lead, allowing NorthEast United FC to mount a comeback.
Gurmeet’s performance in goal earned him the Golden Glove award for his stellar display throughout the tournament.
Kerala Blasters’ Noah Sadaoui received the Golden Boot.
