Mohun Bagan Super Giants secured a dramatic 3-2 win over NorthEast United FC, turning two deficits to take revenge on the Durand Cup champions in a pulsating Indian Super League clash at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday. The match got going early, with three goals in the first 24 minutes as both sides traded blows. Moroccan duo Mohammed Ali Bemammer (5th) and Alaeddine Ajaraie (24th) scored for the visitors, while the talented Dippendu Biswas scored his first ISL goal with a header to level the scores in the 10th minute.
Putting aside the nightmarish memories of the Durand Cup final, in which they squandered a two-goal lead, Mohun Bagan equalised in the 61st minute with a controversial goal from Subhasish Bose.
Substitute Jason Cummings sealed the victory in the second half with a decisive goal in the 87th minute, giving last season's League Shield winners their first victory.
Mohun Bagan now have four points from two matches, while the Guwahati side have three points.
The win was a much-needed boost for the Mariners, who have been under fire after a string of disappointing results, including a penalty loss to NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final and frustrating draws against Mumbai City FC and Ravshan FC.
The hard-fought victory also comes as a relief to Mohun Bagan manager Jose Molina, who was subjected to 'Go Back' slurs during Wednesday's AFC Cup draw.
The match started energetically with NorthEast United taking the lead after just five minutes.
Moroccan midfielder Bemmamer unleashed a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area, taking advantage of a clever back pass from Ajaraie.
The shot flew past Mohun Bagan keeper Vishal Kaith, giving the visiting team an early lead.
Mohun Bagan responded quickly through Dippendu after 10 minutes.
A well-taken free kick from Petratos found the head of Dippendu, who fired the ball into the far corner, completely surprising NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.
The Mariners were back on level terms.
However, NorthEast United struck again in the 24th minute with one of the best counter goals of the season, bringing back memories of the Durand Cup final to the minds of supporters.
Ajaraie and Jithin worked well together on the right, with Jithin passing the ball back to Ajaraie in the penalty area.
The Moroccan attacker fired a fine shot wide to restore the Highlanders' lead to 2-1.
Mohun Bagan tried again to score an equaliser but struggled to break open NorthEast's strong defence.
A crucial moment came in the 38th minute when a low shot from Greg Stewart was cleared off the goal line by captain Miguel Zabaco, giving NEUFC the lead until half-time.
In the second half, Mohun Bagan made two substitutions in the 59th minute, bringing on Sahal Abdul Samad and Jason Cummings in a bid to add more creativity and firepower.
Their impact was immediately felt as Mohun Bagan piled on the pressure.
Controversy erupted in the 61st minute when Subhasish Bose took advantage of a mistake by Gurmeet, who failed to hold a header.
Subhaish fired the ball into the net from close range, but the NEUFC players protested angrily, claiming the goalkeeper had committed a foul.
Despite their protests, the goal stood and the score was tied at 2-2.
The drama continued when Bemmamer was shown a yellow card for his disapproval after the disputed goal.
Mohun Bagan continued to press and Sahal came close to connecting with a cross from Cummings, but the midfielder failed to head the ball.
Mohun Bagan finally made the breakthrough when Sahal delivered a perfect low cross into the penalty area and Cummings, left unmarked, fired home a clean sweep to complete the Mariners' stunning comeback.
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