ISL: Mohun Bagan complete Durand revenge after tense 3-2 win over NorthEast United

Mohun Bagan Super Giants scripted a perfect revenge on NorthEast United, completing a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) on September 23 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The match between the defending Shield champions and the up-and-rising NorthEast United delivered one of the best end-to-end thrillers of the season, living up to its high anticipation.

Defying expectations, NorthEast United struck first with a long-range screamer from Mohammed Ali Bemammer in just the 4th minute, leaving Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith helpless despite a diving effort. The Mariners, however, quickly bounced back and restored parity within six minutes. Dippendu Biswas headed past NorthEast’s Gurmeet Singh, bringing the game level at 1-1.

The excitement continued as NorthEast’s Moroccan player Alaeddine Ajaraie found the net with a brilliant strike in the 24th minute, restoring his side’s lead. Mohun Bagan entered the second half determined, with coach Jose Molina’s team pushing hard for an equalizer. It finally came in the 62nd minute when skipper Shubhashish Bose scored amidst controversy. Gurmeet Singh fumbled a gliding strike, and Bose took advantage, kicking the ball away from the NorthEast goalkeeper’s loose grip. NorthEast players protested, but the goal stood, intensifying the drama.

The game’s deciding moment arrived in the 87th minute when super-sub Jason Cummings netted a sublime first-time strike past Gurmeet Singh, securing three crucial points for Mohun Bagan.

While there will be ongoing debates about whether Bose’s goal should have been allowed, Mohun Bagan’s character and determination shone through. After drawing their season opener against arch-rivals Mumbai City FC, the Mariners showcased immense resilience to fight back and claim their first win of the season.