Mohun Bagan's Dramatic Victory Over Punjab FC in Durand Cup Quarterfinals

Defending champions Mohun Bagan triumphed over Punjab FC in a nail-biting tie-breaker, advancing to the Durand Cup semifinals. The match, which ended 3-3 after regulation time, saw dramatic swings of fortune, culminating in a sudden death victory decided by key saves from Bagan’s keeper Vishal Kaith.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan edged past Punjab FC 6-5 in a tie-breaker to secure a spot in the Durand Cup semifinals. The teams were locked at 3-3 after regulation time in a thrilling quarter-final clash on Friday.

Luca Majcen put Punjab FC ahead in the 17th minute with a spot-kick, but goals from Suhail Bhat (44th) and Manvir Singh (48th) gave Mohun Bagan the lead early in the second half. Punjab then surged to a 3-2 lead through Filip Mrzljak (63rd) and Norberto Ezequiel Vidal (71st), only for Jason Cummings to equalize in the 79th minute, sending the match into extra time.

In the tie-breaker, Cummings missed the first kick for Bagan, but Vishal Kaith's crucial save from Croatian defender Novoselec kept them in the game. Greg Stewart leveled the score, and in sudden death, Melroy Assisi, Subhashish Bose, and Aldred scored for Bagan. Vishal's second vital save off Denechandram Meetei proved decisive.

Other Bagan scorers in the tie-breaker were Manvir, Liston Colaco, and Dimi Petratos, while Vinit Rai, Vidal, Bakenga, and Mrzljak netted for Punjab FC.

(With inputs from agencies.)