Durand Cup 2023 Final: 10-man Mohun Bagan SG beat East Bengal FC in Kolkata-derby to lift 17th title

By
Jayujyoti Mullick
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Final of the Durand Cup 2023 played between Emami East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant returned their Durand Cup 2023 group-stage result to arch rival East Bengal in the final and have been crowned as champions. Dimitri Petratos scored the winning goal in the 71st minute, after Anirudh Thapa was sent off for a second bookable offence, in the early minutes of the second-half. There wasn’t much to choose between the two sides in an intriguing final at the designated Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), which drew around 50,000 fans.

Goalless first-half

Within the first five minutes, Ashique won the game’s first corner for Mohun Bagan Super Gaints, but nothing came of it. When East Bengal received theirs a few minutes later, they faced a similar fate. In the first quarter-hour, there was nothing to choose between the two. Both teams’ favoured attacking flank was the left, with Ashique of MBSG and Mahesh of EEB leading the charge.

Then, immediately after the water break, Jordan Elsey appeared to twist his ankle, forcing Cuadrat to replace him at the back with Jose Antonio Pardo.

With only a few minutes remaining in the half, both teams had their best chances. First, a Borja cross meant for Siverio’s header dropped for Nandhakumar, who failed to keep his attempt on goal. Dimitri Petratos then launched a fantastic strike from the top of the EB box, but it barely missed the target.

The first half ended with both teams receiving an equal number of bookings, with Saul Crespo and Borja for the red and golds and Hugo Boumos and Thapa for the green and maroons entering the referee’s book in the closing stages.

Petratos breaks the deadlock

East Bengal coach, Cuadrat made the second change in the 57th minute of the game. Experienced Brazilian Cleiton Silva was brought on in place of Borja. Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando made Ashish Rai sit in the bench, bringing Manvir Singh in place.

Manvir ccreated an immediate effect, making a chance for Hugo Boumous in the hour-mark, however Boumous made it wide apart from the close range.

In the very next minute, Anirudh Thapa booked his second yellow and was eventually sent odd the field. He made a high boot impact with Saul Crespo.

The game changing bench call was made by Juan in the 69th minute. With a triple change of Australian World Cupper Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco and Glan Martins in place of Boumous, Sadiku and Ashique.

It brought Mohun Bagan the well anticipated goal in the 71st minute. Dimitri Petratos, the Greek forward, received the ball in a transition just inside the East Bengal half. He kept advancing from the right-hand side towards the goal, not facing much of a challenge. From just outside the box, he fired a left-footed diagonal along the ground. It was brilliantly placed as the ball took a harsh bounce to avoid Prabhsukan Gill’s outstretched glove and went in. The deadlock was broken, and MBSG fans rejoiced as Petratos ran towards a section of them to celebrate.

Inspired from the triple change tactics, Cuadrat seem to have made the same for East Bengal in the 78th minute. He brought Nishu Kumar, VP Suhair and Edwin Vanspaul, in place of Chungnunga, Siverio and Rakip. In the 87th, Juan Ferrando made his final change, making his defense strong by bringing on Brendan Hamill in place of Sahal Abdul Samad.

Worthy champions

With a lot of chances created, East Bengal could not break through the Mohun Bagan defence. Mohun Bagan deserved to be the champions. Mohun Bagan have only lost to East Bengal in the tournament which they paid back in the final. The Mariners have beaten some top Indian Super League teams like Mumbai City FC, FC Goa to en route their journey.

The Prizes

A gala prize distribution ceremony was followed by the game. As vibrant as the opening programme had preceded it. Dr. CV Ananda Bose, Hon. Governor of West Bengal awarded the President’s Cup to the winners, while Gen. Anil Chauhan PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM, Chief of Defence Staff, awarded the Simla Trophy. The Durand Cup, the original prize was given by Shri. Aroop Biswas, Hon. Minister in Charge of Sports and Youth Affairs, Power and Housing, Government of West Bengal.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG)– 1

Dimitri Petratos 71’

Emami East Bengal (EEB) – 0

Among the other prize winners of the day were:

Highest scorer – David Lalhlansanga- (Mohammedan Sporting)

Golden Gloves- Prabhsukan Gill (Emami East Bengal)

Player of the Tournament- Nandhakumar Sekar (Emami East Bengal)

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