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Mohun Bagan produced a clinical display to overcome a stubborn Real Kashmir FC 3-1 to enter into the final of the 2019 Durand Cup. A 42nd-minute strike from Salva Chamorro was neutralised by Gnohere Krizo in the dying seconds of regulation time. As both teams were inseparable at the end of the 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. A brace by VP Suhair was enough to clinch a well-deserved victory for Mohun Bagan in front of their home fans.
Let us have a look at the hits and flops from the match:
#5 Nongdamba Naorem (Hit)
Young Nongdamba Naorem has shown sparks of brilliance with his speedy runs down the left wing. He played some eye-catching football against Real Kashmir FC too, with the youngster giving immense support to the forwards. His partnership with Joesba Beitia was a major highlight of the game.
Naorem’s solo effort in the 27th minute was laudable, but the shot was off-target. The understanding between the players has witnessed a sea of change in the past few matches, and Mohun Bagan will be quite hopeful of winning the final match and claiming a record 17th title.
#4 Surabuddin Mollick (Flop)
The midfielder played one his worst matches ever - he was loitering around in the field, looked clueless and was never in the scheme of things for even a single moment in the game. He neither played any role in the attacks, nor did he make use of the opportunities that came in his way. He hardly took a shot at goal, and even if he did, it never created any danger.
#3 Sheikh Sahil (Hit)
The youngster may be the find of the season for the ‘Green and Maroon’ brigade. The defensive midfielder was probably the most hardworking footballer on the pitch for the entire match. Sahil played as a blocker and snatched possession from Real Kashmir FC players, thus breaking the flow of their attacks.
Apart from that, he was also impressive in his creative role. He was seen breaking his boundaries and progressing to the final third to raid the visitors’ defence. The youngster played with equal pace throughout the 120 minutes, and it was a joy to see him play up and down the football pitch and taking huge work load on his young shoulders.
#2 Salva Chamorro (Hit)
The Spanish striker scored the first goal of the match with a mesmerising volley in the 42nd minute on Wednesday evening.
Apart from that, Chamorro combined well with Nongdamba Naorem and also Joseba Beitia. The Spanish duo added Spanish flavour to their game, recreating a tiki-taka kind of experience in the ‘City of Joy.’ On top of that, he played a more responsible role for Mohun Bagan in this match, often helping out the wingers to maintain the flow of the game.
#1 Suhair VP (Hit)
Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna made two changes in the second half, and both of them proved to be vital for Mohun Bagan’s fate in the match. Suhair VP played a cameo for ‘The Mariners’ which incidentally was the difference between both teams. Just when the players started to tire their legs on a humid day in Kolkata, Suhair’s introduction injected a fresh wave in Bagan’s game.
A well judged through ball from substitute Fran Gonzalez was slotted home by Suhair, thus ensuring Bagan’s passage into the final. He completed his brace in the 112th minute to seal the deal for Mohun Bagan.
