Mumbai City March into the Durand Cup Final
Bipin Singh’s strike helps them to pip the Mohammedan Sporting 1-0
Mumbai City FC marched into the final of the Durand Cup, thanks to a last-minute goal by Bipin Singh at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday. This is the Mumbai-based side’s maiden appearance in the prestigious tournament’s final.
1️⃣ – Lallianzuala Chhangte becomes the first player in Durand Cup 2022 to register double digit goal-contribitions. [@AnalystAdi]
6️⃣ Games
7️⃣ Goals ⚽
3️⃣ Assists 🅰️Is this his season?? 🧙♂️ pic.twitter.com/0bvqH11YxD
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) September 14, 2022
As the semi-final was going to the extra-time, Mumbai scored the crucial goal in the 90th minute. It was a superb coordination display by Lallianzuala Chhangte and Bipin Singh, which resulted in the all-important goal. This was after Scottish forward Greg Stewart started the move from the midfield.
Mumbai City and Coordination Display
Meanwhile, just when the first semi-final was headed for extra-time, Mumbai scored the all-important goal in the 90th minute. This was against the run of play.
The Black Panthers were last year’s runners-up and also won the trophy twice in 1940 and 2013, while former Indian Super League champions Mumbai made their Durand Cup debut this year. It was a tale of a pressure game in the all-important match.
Full Time!
What an incredible game of football! A cracking semi final comes to an end as @MumbaiCityFC books their spot in the FINAL. @MohammedanSC goes down fighting after a great show!#MDSMCFC ⚔️#DurandCup 🏆#IndianOilDurandCup 🏆#DurandCup2022 🏆#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/666RSZFIIu
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) September 14, 2022
Earlier, both teams missed at least half a dozen chances. Playing in front of a 15,000-odd crowd, Mohammedan too had a lot of opportunities. However, the likes of Marcus Joseph and Nuriddin Davronov never really posed a big threat.
The 2013 winners never played their best football, and as a result, the goal was missing. Their best chance came to Gurkirat in the first half. Incidentally, Bipin sent a cross while the forward missed tapping in from close. Mohammedans began the second half with intent and created a chance in the 50th minute. However, Abhash Thapa failed to go past keeper Lachenpa.
The final will take place on September 18 at the same venue. The opponent for Mumbai City FC is yet to be known. However, one point is clear. It will be a firecracker of a contest, for the fans.
Result – Mohammedan Sporting SC 0 lost to Mumbai City FC 1 (Bipin Singh 90).