Kolkata, July 28: In the ongoing Durand Cup 2025 Group B opener between Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC and debutants Diamond Harbour FC, a foreigner-less young Mohammedan side showcased great fight and took the early lead. However, the emerging debutant Diamond Harbour unfolded the drama in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory in the clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
First Half Scenario
Mohammedan SC showcased an unexpected and spirited display in the opening half. Despite not entering the game as favorites, they controlled the half, starting with and attacking intent, Capitalized a goal bound move within two minutes.
However In the 16th minute Diamond Harbour FC got a golden chance, Clayton found himself inside the box in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, but Dinesh Meitei made a timely interception to clear the danger for Mohammedan.
At the 36th minute the Black And White Army took the lead, Adison made a brilliant solo run from the right side, entered the box, and calmly slotted the ball into the net after receiving it from Thangva Rogui, giving Mohammedan a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime, in the 45th minute, Suarajit sent a long through ball to Ashley Koly on the left. Koly made a run through the left flank, and sent a cross to Adison in the center of the box, but Adison narrowly missed placing it into the net. Mohammedan ended the first half with a surprising lead and showcased a game full of energy and coordination.
Second Half Scenario
The second half witnessed a tactical shift and relentless pressure from Diamond Harbour FC, who came out with clear intent to turn the game around. In the 50th minute, Luka Majcen who made his first appearance for DHFC in the half time in the place of Clayton Silveira, delivered a precise pass to Paul, whose powerful shot was met with a fantastic save by the Mohammedan goalkeeper, keeping the lead untouched.
Which results a corner, just a minute later, at the 51st minute mark, that brings the equalizer. Samuel’s corner was met by a sharp header from Ruatkima, who found the back of the net bringing the scoreline to 1-1.
The 84th minute Mohammedan got a scoring chance, clearance from Samuel’s miss dropped to Sajal Bagh. He unleashed a thunderous long-range shot, but Diamond Harbour FC keeper Mirshad made a sensational save to deny what looked like a certain goal.
Drama unfolded in the dying moments of the game, at 90+10th minute, Diamond Harbour FC sealed the win. In a swift, goalbound move, Luka received the ball inside the box, and as the keeper came out to close him down, Luka calmly placed it into the net confirming a 2-1 comeback win for Diamond Harbour FC in the Group B opener.
With issues surrounding player signings and a transfer ban, Mohammedan SC lined up with their CFL squad and minimal changes. On the other side, Diamond Harbour FC fielded a strong lineup featuring new foreign signing Clayton Silveira, Indian football veterans like Luka Majcen and Halicharan Narzary, along with players such as Samuel, Paul Ramfangzauva, Angousana, Mirshad, and experienced Diamond Harbour FC players like Joby Justin, Girik Khosla, Narohari Shrestha.
The match turned out to be intense. Mohammedan SC put on a commendable and appreciated performance despite all the challenges, while Diamond Harbour FC demonstrated their strength and depth till the very end, living up to their status as pre-match favorites on paper.
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