Durand Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan beat NorthEast United 4-3 on penalties to reach Kolkata Derby final
Synopsis
Vishal Kaith's two penalty saves were the difference as Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged NorthEast United 4-3 in a tense shootout to reach the 135th Durand Cup final — where they will face East Bengal in a Kolkata Derby that the entire country of Indian football has been waiting for.
Key Takeaways
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United FC 4-3 on penalties in the 135th Durand Cup semifinal on 20 August in Shillong .
The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes of regulation time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium .
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the hero, saving penalties from Robin Yadav and Parthib Gogoi .
Jamie Maclaren converted the decisive fourth penalty for Mohun Bagan.
Mohun Bagan will face East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby final on Sunday .
Defending champions NorthEast United are eliminated at the semifinal stage.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant goalkeeper Vishal Kaith saved two penalties to send the Mariners into the final of the 135th Durand Cup, with Mohun Bagan prevailing 4-3 on penalties against holders NorthEast United FC after a goalless second semifinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Thursday, 20 August. The victory sets up a blockbuster Kolkata Derby final against arch-rivals East Bengal FC on Sunday.
Team Lineups and Key Changes
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali made two changes to his starting XI, introducing defenders Soraisham Dinesh Singh and Pramveer Singh in place of Asheer Akhtar and Macarton Louis Nickson. Mohun Bagan coach Panagiotis Dilimperis also rotated, handing starts to Samir Zeljkovic in midfield — replacing Anirudh Thapa — and Kiyan Nassiri in attack in place of Dejan Dražić.
How the Match Unfolded
Wet conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium made it difficult for either side to build sustained passing moves in the opening 20 minutes, with both teams frequently resorting to long balls. The first shot on target came midway through the first half when Liston Colaco's free-kick drew an excellent save from NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Nassiri then shot from a tight angle but found only the side netting.
At the half-hour mark, Alaaeddine Ajaraie narrowly missed the post with a volley from a set-piece. Just before the break, Sahal Abdul Samad attempted an audacious long-range effort, but Gurmeet recovered to deny what looked a goal-bound strike. The first half ended 0-0, with clear chances at a premium for both sides.
The second half mirrored the opening period. NorthEast United came closest around the hour mark when Ajaraie failed to connect with a low cross from Abdul Rabeeh. The Moroccan forward was involved again moments later, delivering a cross that Etyan Gonzalez could not direct on target with his header. Macarton Nickson — introduced from the bench — also went close, his effort from inside the box finding the side netting after a well-worked move down the flanks. Both sides ultimately settled for the lottery of penalties.
The Decisive Penalty Shootout
With both teams converting their first three kicks, the shootout was level at 3-3. Robin Yadav stepped up for NorthEast United's fourth penalty, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Kaith. Jamie Maclaren then calmly converted to put Mohun Bagan ahead. Kaith produced yet another outstanding stop to deny Parthib Gogoi, sealing a 4-3 shootout victory and Mohun Bagan's place in the final.
What's Next: The Kolkata Derby Final
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now face East Bengal FC in the 135th Durand Cup final on Sunday — a Kolkata Derby that needs no introduction. The two clubs share one of Indian football's oldest and fiercest rivalries, and a cup final between them guarantees an occasion that transcends the sport. NorthEast United, the defending champions, exit at the semifinal stage after a spirited but ultimately goalless campaign in the knockout rounds.
Point of View
But it is the outcome Indian football needed — a Kolkata Derby in a Durand Cup final is the sport's biggest domestic occasion, and it arrived on merit. What deserves scrutiny is NorthEast United's failure to convert their territorial superiority in the second half into goals; they created the better chances and still lost. For Mohun Bagan, the real test begins Sunday — East Bengal in a final is a different proposition entirely from a wet-pitch stalemate.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Durand Cup 2025 second semifinal?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United FC 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on 20 August. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith saved two penalties to send Mohun Bagan through to the final.
Who will play in the 135th Durand Cup final?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face East Bengal FC in the final on Sunday, setting up a Kolkata Derby. It is one of Indian football's oldest and most celebrated rivalries, and this will be a rare cup final between the two clubs.
Who was the hero of the penalty shootout for Mohun Bagan?
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the decisive figure, saving penalties from Robin Yadav and Parthib Gogoi. Jamie Maclaren converted Mohun Bagan's winning kick to complete the 4-3 shootout victory.
Why did the match go to penalties?
Neither side could break the deadlock in 90 minutes, with wet conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium limiting both teams' ability to play their preferred passing game. Clear-cut chances were rare throughout, and the match ended 0-0, forcing a penalty shootout.
What changes did Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United make to their starting lineups?
NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali brought in Soraisham Dinesh Singh and Pramveer Singh in place of Asheer Akhtar and Macarton Louis Nickson. Mohun Bagan coach Panagiotis Dilimperis started Samir Zeljkovic in midfield instead of Anirudh Thapa and Kiyan Nassiri in attack in place of Dejan Dražić.
