Did the Ten-Man Diamond Harbour FC Suffer a Heavy Defeat Against Mohun Bagan in the 134th Durand Cup?
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Synopsis
On August 9, Mohun Bagan Super Giant decisively defeated Diamond Harbour FC 5-1 in the Group B decider of the 134th Durand Cup. The match showcased Bagan's tactical prowess and attacking strength, leading them to the quarterfinals while leaving Diamond Harbour's hopes hanging by a thread.
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan's Tactical Mastery: Their formation and strategic play led to a dominating performance.
- Key Players Shine: Contributions from Thapa, Maclaren, and Cummings were crucial.
- Impact of Red Card: The dismissal of Naresh Singh changed the dynamics of the match.
- Diamond Harbour's Challenges: They must now rely on other results to advance.
- Quarterfinal Aspirations: Mohun Bagan's victory solidifies their place in the next stage.
Kolkata, Aug 9 (NationPress) Mohun Bagan Super Giant triumphed over Diamond Harbour FC with a commanding score of 5-1 in the Group B showdown, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.
Anirudh Thapa opened the scoring for the Mariners, but Luka Majcen equalized just five minutes later. Following that, Mohun Bagan took charge, with goals from Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Jason Cummings ensuring they topped the group. Now, Diamond Harbour must hope for favorable outcomes in other matches to advance as one of the best second-placed teams.
Head Coach Jose Francisco Molina Jiminez made six adjustments to the starting eleven, introducing Sahal Abdul Samad, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Pasang Dorjee Tamang, Jamie Maclaren, Asish Raia, and Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), replacing Manvir Singh, Abhishek Dhanajay Suryavanshi, Dipendu Biswas, Leewan Castanha, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in a 4-4-2 setup. In contrast, Diamond Harbour FC Coach Jose Antonio Vicuna Ochandorena kept the same lineup from their previous match, opting for a 4-3-3 formation.
Mohun Bagan broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Anirudh Thapa received a first-time pass on the edge of the box, curling a stunning shot into the top-right corner. Diamond Harbour responded quickly, with Luka Majcen capitalizing on a defensive blunder to equalize.
The contest remained evenly matched until the 33rd minute when Bagan regained the lead, thanks to a mistake from Diamond Harbour's goalkeeper, allowing Jamie Maclaren to slot the ball home.
As the second half commenced, Mohun Bagan held a slim 2-1 advantage. However, a penalty was awarded early in the half after Liston Colaco was fouled, resulting in a red card for Naresh Singh Yendrembam and a chance for Colaco to convert the penalty, extending the lead to 3-1.
With Diamond Harbour now down to ten players, Mohun Bagan took full advantage, dominating possession and increasing pressure in midfield, orchestrated by Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad.
The fourth goal came in the 64th minute when a defensive lapse allowed Sahal to score. In the 80th minute, Jason Cummings scored the fifth goal with a precise shot from the edge of the box, capping off a remarkable performance and highlighting the one-sided nature of the match. The remainder saw Bagan control proceedings, expertly managing possession to secure a resounding victory.
Point of View
I view this match as a pivotal moment in the 134th Durand Cup. Mohun Bagan's impressive performance not only showcases their strength but also raises questions for Diamond Harbour FC about their future in the tournament. It's essential to recognize the competitive spirit and resilience displayed by both teams as we progress through this prestigious event.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Diamond Harbour FC with a score of 5-1.
Who scored the opening goal?
Anirudh Thapa scored the opening goal for Mohun Bagan.
How did Diamond Harbour respond to the initial goal?
Luka Majcen equalized for Diamond Harbour just five minutes after Thapa's goal.
What formation did Mohun Bagan use in the match?
Mohun Bagan utilized a 4-4-2 formation.
What impact did the red card have on Diamond Harbour?
The red card reduced Diamond Harbour to ten men, significantly hindering their chances of a comeback.
