NorthEast United FC completed a brilliant comeback victory after being two goals down to overcome defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties and clinch the 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup in a thrilling final played here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in West Bengal. This is the Highlanders maiden Durand Cup title and their first ever silverware in Indian football.
The defending champions had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half through Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad. Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez equalised in the second half, and NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh turned the hero, saving two spot kicks to ensure that his side completed the win.
NorthEast United received a winning purse of INR 60,00,000, while the runners-up purse of INR 30,00,000 was awarded to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Among the other tournament awards, Gurmeet Singh won the Golden Glove, Noah Sadaoui (6 goals) won the Golden Boot for the highest scorer, and Jithin M.S. was very deservedly awarded the Man of the Tournament award. They all received a cash prize of five lakhs each along with their trophies.
