Guwahati-based NorthEast United Football Club etched their names in Indian football history by clinching their maiden Durand Cup title. In a thrilling final that went to a penalty shootout, they defeated the defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), 4-3. The match took place at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 31, 2024.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Winner
With the scores level after regulation time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to help his team secure the victory.
The 133rd Durand Cup
The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup was held across four cities: Kolkata, Kokrajhar (Assam), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), and Shillong (Meghalaya). Jamshedpur hosted matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Award Winners
The Durand Cup 2024 also saw several individual awards being presented:
- Golden Boot (top goal scorer): Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)
- Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Gurmeet Singh (NorthEast United FC)
- Golden Ball (Best player of the tournament): Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)
About the Durand Cup
The Durand Cup, established in 1888 at Shimla by the British Indian Army, is the oldest football tournament in India and Asia. Named after the then-foreign secretary of British India, Mortimer Durand, the tournament has a rich history and has witnessed many iconic moments in Indian football.
NorthEast United FC’s victory in the Durand Cup is a testament to their growth as a team and a significant achievement for Indian football.
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