Durand Cup final: Gurmeet Singh steals the thunder from Bagan’s Kaith

Each time a team triumphs fans frequently attribute its success to the offensive players exploits and the coachs strategic acumen throughout 90 minutes of the gameYet a goalkeepers heroics no matter how great often go unnoticed Gurmeet Singh however seized the spotlight in the Durand Cup final on Saturday decisively dispelling any notions of being overlooked or undervaluedJust who knew Singh would go on to deliver a series of extraordinary saves that would make even the most seasoned shotstoppers envious Thanks to the 24yearold NorthEast United FC defied expectations and historical odds to clinch their firstever Durand Cup title triumphing 43 in a dramatic penalty shootout against Mohun BaganSinghrsquos uncanny ability to read the game and exhibit flawless footwork was exemplified when he denied Liston Colacorsquos third attempt with an athletic diveIn the fifth round his unyielding presence thwarted Bagan captain Subhasish Bose effectively sealing the victory for his side This heroic display was complemented by goals from Guillermo Fernandez captain Miguel Zabaco Tome Parthib Gogoi and Alaaeddine Ajaraei in the shootoutMeanwhile Mohun Bagans attempts from Jason Cummings Manvir Singh and Dimitri Petratos were not enough to prevent their 13th runnersup finish in the historic tournament which has been contested for 133 editions This result was particularly poignant for Bollywood actor John Abrahams team who after a decade of competitive play finally secured their first piece of silverware in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the iconic Salt Lake StadiumThe emotional climax saw Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith who had been instrumental in earlier matches left disheartened as the NorthEast United players erupted in celebration Kaith whose earlier performances had included crucial saves in the quarterfinals and semifinals found himself powerless against Singhs masterclassThe match unfolded as a tale of two contrasting halves Bagan managed by Jose Molina and seeking a recordextending 18th title dominated the first half They took an early lead through a penalty awarded after NEUFCs Asheer Akhtar fouled Sahal Abdul Samad Jason Cummings converted the spotkick and just before the break Sahal Abdul Samad added a second with a deft finish following a superb setup from Greg StewartThe Highlanders however emerged from halftime with renewed vigour They capitalised on a lapse in Mohun Baganrsquos defense right after the restart with Alaaeddine Ajaraei and substitute Guillermo Fernandez scoring within a span of three minutes Ajaraeirsquos strike was a clever finish using a pass from Jithin MS who had earlier orchestrated a key play by drawing in defenders before providing the assistCoach Juan Pedro Benalirsquos strategic decision to substitute Thoi Singh with Guillermo Fernandez proved crucial Fernandezs impact was immediate as he latched onto an Ajaraei cross to level the score with a thunderous volley His performance was a testament to Benalirsquos tactical acumen and the Highlanders resilienceThe second half saw NEUFC come close to seizing the lead when Jithin MS unleashed a powerful volley from outside the box only for Kaith to make an equally impressive save Despite the efforts of Mohun Bagans attacking lineup and the firsthalf dominance they failed to maintain their advantage and eventually succumbed to the Highlanders relentless pursuitIn the first half Mohun Bagan appeared in control with opportunities and dominance marked by a defensive blunder from NEUFCrsquos Asheer Akhtar and subsequently missed chances by Greg Stewart Despite their lead they struggled to consolidate their position and their complacency became apparent in the second halfThe tactical prowess of Benali was evident as NEUFC adapted to Mohun Bagans shifts in play exploiting their defensive lapses The inability of Mohun Bagan to defend its title highlighted a critical oversight in its strategy and executionSingh succeeded in making his name synonymous with Saturday nights triumphThough no team plans to be in a position to make the goalkeeper the most valuable player on the pitch Singh stands as a reminder that the role cannot remain undervaluedWith inputs from ANI