In an exhilarating turn of events, Nandhakumar Sekar emerged as East Bengal's hero once again as they triumphed over NorthEast United FC in a gripping penalty shootout, securing a spot in the Durand Cup final after nearly two decades. With the clock ticking down, Nandhakumar's last-minute header (90+7th) fueled a remarkable comeback, transforming a 0-2 deficit into a 2-2 draw and propelling the match to a penalty shootout.
Nandhakumar continued his heroic performance by clinching victory in the penalty shootout, while Cleiton Silva, Saul Crespo, Borja Herrera, and Naorem Mahesh also contributed to East Bengal's success. Despite a valiant effort from NorthEast United FC, it was their third attempt that ultimately made the difference in the shootout.
The journey to the final wasn't without its share of drama. A shot by Parthiv Gogoi was initially saved by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill but had to be retaken, and this time, the crossbar came to East Bengal's rescue. This nail-biting contest marked East Bengal's first appearance in the Durand Cup final since 2004, reaffirming their storied legacy in the competition.
The possibility of an electrifying derby in the final remains on the horizon, as East Bengal eagerly anticipates the outcome of the match between Mohun Bagan and FC Goa in the second Durand Cup semifinal.
The Highlanders of NorthEast United FC had previously demonstrated their prowess against East Bengal in the Indian Super League, boasting a favorable record in their encounters. Dominating for a significant portion of the match, they swiftly secured a 2-0 lead.
East Bengal, under the guidance of Carles Cuadrat, struggled to mirror their previous standout performance against Mohun Bagan. Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope emerged in the 77th minute when a powerful run by Saul Crespo led to Naorem Mahesh Singh's goal, narrowing the deficit.
Nandhakumar's impact intensified in the closing moments of the match, as his header in injury time sealed the dramatic comeback. Notably, this was reminiscent of his pivotal goal in the Kolkata derby 17 years prior, which ended East Bengal's eight-match losing streak against Mohun Bagan.
The encounter showcased the unexpected heroics of Manipuri talent Konsam Phalguni Singh for NorthEast United FC, as he orchestrated a stunning 2-0 lead through his adept play. Despite East Bengal's higher shot count and possession, NorthEast United FC managed to stifle their opponents' goal-scoring opportunities.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
