Mohammedan Thrashed Bengaluru United in The Exciting Durand Semi-Final

 A masterclass of a performance by the team from Kolkata, Mohammedan SC as it defeated Bengaluru United 4-2 in the exciting Semi-Final of 130th edition of Durand Cup.

At the Durand Cup semifinal, within the first 20 secs, Pedro Manzi handed his team a lead by a brilliant finish. After the goal, Mohammedan SC went on an all-out attack game against Bengaluru United. This strategy paid off in the 8 mins when Marcus Joseph bullied Bengaluru defenders to get a shot away in the far bottom corner. It was an exceptional show of Strength and Finishing.

Marcus Joseph in Tussle with FCBU defenders

The trio of Marcus Joseph, Azharuddin and Faisal Ali kept the Bengaluru defence busy. In the 38 mins, Faisal scored an excellent goal to take the scoreline to 2-1. This goal was a product of the excellent combination between Faisal, Azharuddin and Marcus. The midfield of Bengaluru was completely out of form in the first half and they lacked that binding throughout the field.

The dominance of Mohammedans in the field continued in the second half. Marcus's shot was blocked by veteran defender Kingshuk Debnath in 63 mins. Kunzang Bhutia made another super save in the 71 mins when Nikola Stojanovich and Faisal were tearing apart the FCBU defence and almost scored a goal. But in the 78th mins against the flow of the game, Bengaluru FC's Kingshuk equalised from a corner. Cherysnov made a tactical change after the equaliser introducing Brandon in place of SK Faiaz. The visitors looked like a better side after the equaliser with Luca Majcen and Pedro Manzi becoming a constant threat to the Mohammedan Defence. But an unnecessary Red card for Pedro Manzi again brought the game in favour of the black panthers

Finally Mohammedan sealed their berth in the Finals with two brilliant goals by Brandon and Nikola. In the first half of the extra time, Kunzang Bhutia made an error which led to the goal by Brandon Vanlaldermika.In the second half, of Extra time Nikola made it 4-2 from the penalty

With this Mohammedan went on to the final in search of its 3rd Durand victory. Black Panthers will face the winner of the Semi-Final 2 which will take place between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC in the final

S.K.Chakraborty