Kolkata, August 9: Mohun Bagan SG sealed their Durand Cup 2025 Group B fixtures with a dominating 5-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC on Saturday evening at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Before the group decider kicked off, the advantage was in favour of debutant DHFC as they were ahead on goal difference. However, by scoring five goals and conceding just one, Mohun Bagan SG not only won and moved to the next round but also boosted their goal tally significantly.
The intense Kolkata clash began at a slow pace, with both teams taking time to build their attacks. In the 15th minute, Passang passed the ball to Sahal, who set it up for Maclaren on the right side of the box. Maclaren went for a shot towards the first post, but the Diamond Harbour FC goalkeeper reacted quickly and made the save.
Mohun Bagan SG broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Liston sent a through ball to Sahal, who passed it to Anirudh Thapa. Thapa unleashed a shot from distance, sending the ball into the net to make it 1-0.
DHFC hit back in the 24th minute. Joby Justin delivered a pass from the right to Luka, who finished with long grounder shot to bring the score level at 1-1.
In the 35th minute, Mohun Bagan SG regained the lead. Sahal controlled the ball well, avoided his marker Lalliansanga and found Maclaren. In a one-on-one situation, Maclaren cut past two defenders and calmly placed the ball into the net. At halftime, Mohun Bagan SG led 2-1.
Mohun Bagan SG started the second half strongly and extended their lead in the 49th minute. Naresh fouled Liston inside the left side of the box, resulting in a penalty for Mohun Bagan SG. Liston stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 3-1. Naresh was also shown a red card, leaving Diamond Harbour FC with ten men.
In the 65th minute, Cummings took a shot from the left inside the box. Rabilal Mandi tried to clear the ball near the goal line, but the rebound fell to Sahal, who calmly slotted it into the net for his team’s fourth goal. Cummings rounded off the scoring in the 80th minute with a stunning long-range strike, sealing a dominant 5-1 win for Mohun Bagan SG.
Diamond Harbour FC seemed off in the second half, struggling to keep possession and failing to create any real threat. Mohun Bagan SG, on the other hand, displayed their attacking depth and overall dominance, controlling the game from start to finish. With this convincing win, the Mariners not only boosted their confidence but also secured their place in the quarter-finals.
This was DHFC’s last group fixture, and with that loss, in which they conceded four goals, progressing to the next round has become tough for them. Shillong Lajong are ahead with eight goals as the favourites for the second-best place. On the other hand, Indian Army and Real Kashmir are yet to play their final group fixtures. Kibu Vicuna’s DHFC will now have to keep an eye on the other results and wait for confirmation to see if they qualify as the second-best placed team to move forward.
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