In a thrilling Durand Cup final, NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties. This is NEUFC's first ever silverware in Indian football. Their goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero, saving two spot kicks to secure the victory. The team's coach made a tactical decision to bench two Spanish attacking players in favor of Moroccan midfielder Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who ultimately scored a crucial goal in the comeback.
NorthEast United's Historic Durand Cup Triumph: A Moment to Remember
Background:
The Durand Cup is India's oldest football tournament, dating back to 1888. NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC), based in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the ten participating teams in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Thrilling Final:
In the 2022 Durand Cup final, NEUFC faced defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant. After trailing 2-0 at halftime, NEUFC staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, equalizing through Idrissa Sylla and Jithin MS.
Penalty Shootout Heroics:
The match went to penalties, where NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh emerged as the hero. He saved two spot-kicks from Mohun Bagan, including the decisive penalty from Amrinder Singh, to secure NEUFC's first-ever silverware in Indian football.
Tactical Masterstroke:
NEUFC coach Vincenzo Annese made a crucial tactical decision by benching two Spanish attacking players in favor of Moroccan midfielder Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Ajaraie played a key role in the comeback, scoring the equalizer in the 11th minute of the second half.
FAQs:
1. When did NEUFC win the Durand Cup? Answer: October 16, 2022
2. Who was the coach of NEUFC during their Durand Cup triumph? Answer: Vincenzo Annese
3. Who scored the winning penalty for NEUFC? Answer: Pragyan Gogoi
4. What was the halftime score in the Durand Cup final? Answer: 2-0 in favor of Mohun Bagan
5. What is NEUFC's nickname? Answer: The Highlanders
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