Durand Cup 2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Mohun Bagan conquer Mumbai City, qualify for semi-finals

MOHUN BAGAN BEAT Mumbai City for the first time in 9 matches between the two teams, at the Salt Lake Stadium in the Durand Cup quarter finals tonight.

The Mariners in front of a large turnout at home put on a confident performance that dismantled the ACL-bound team's attack despite the Islanders enjoying the majority of the possession in a 3-1 decisive victory.

Bagan got their lead early when MCFC keeper Phurba Lachenpa brought down Jason Cummings in the box. The Australian calmly converted from the spot. However, the Sky Blues increased their pressure on the Green and Maroons, and it was a matter of time before they'd get even.

The equalizer came in the 28th minute when Jorge Pereyra Diaz played a short cross into the net. But Mohun Bagan hit back immediately, buoyed by their roaring fans, when Manvir Singh headed in a pass from a very similar position.

The referee remained a contentious feature throughout the match as both sides became increasingly physical. Both MCFC and MB were denied valid penalty calls and some yellow cards were given to MCFC players despite them being the target of fouls, not perpetrators. At one point the referee missed an MCFC player handling the ball and trying to score.

The one goal lead was a shaky one for Bagan, and they finally got some cushion to rely on when Anwar Ali found the net after the hour mark, getting the scoreline to 3-1. This was enough for the Kolkata-based club to secure the victory.

Mohun Bagan will face FC Goa in the semi-finals. Mumbai City, despite being regareded as the favourites, have now under-delivered in back to back two competitions; Super Cup and Durand Cup. And the way they performed against the first full strength top flight team they have played this season will give coach Des Buckingham a lot to work on before they begin their AFC Champions League campaign.

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