NorthEast United vs East Bengal - East Bengal script comeback to reach Durand Cup Finals

NorthEast United vs East Bengal – Comeback complete, Reaching Durand Cup Final for 27th time, compete. East Bengal scripted a stunning comeback against NorthEast United. After going down 2-0, the Kolkata giants equalized in the dying minutes of the game to take to the penalty shootout. While the Red & Gold Brigade scored all, Prathib Gogoi’s vital miss was enough to knock out the Highlanders.

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NorthEast United FC Playing XI: Mirshad; Dinesh, Tondonba, Zabaco, Bemammer, Nestor, Romain, Parthib, Asheer, Manvir, Phalguni

East Bengal Playing XI: Gill; Pardo, Chunhnunga, Khabra, Nandha, Mandar, Crespo, Nishu, Mahesh, Elsey, Siverio

East Bengal overcame Mohun Bagan Super Giant after four years and proceeded to the quarterfinals after winning Group A. They then overcame Gokulam Kerala, the 2019 Durand Cup champion, to go to the last four. It will return to the Durand Cup final after 19 years if it defeats NEUFC on Tuesday.

Time to turn the stands 🔴🟡 again, #AmagoFans! 👊

See you all during our S/F clash 🆚 NEUFC at the VYBK tomorrow. 🫡#DurandCup #JoyEastBengal #EmamiEastBengal #NEUFCEEBFC pic.twitter.com/q0oZlWCC4H
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 28, 2023

As pragmatic and respectful of opponents as ever, Cuadrat said in his comments a day ahead of the big game, “We are in the semi-finals after playing out an intense quarter-final against Gokulam. NorthEast United have been unbeaten in this tournament so far. They have a good mix of youth and experience, which makes them a very competitive opponent. It’s definitely going to be a tough match, but our players know their roles well. As a unit, we are working in the right direction.”

NorthEast, on the other hand, is finding success under new coach Juan Pedro Benali. Despite coming bottom in the ISL last year, the team has not lost in the Durand Cup this year. Furthermore, they won convincingly against Downtown Heroes FC and Shillong Lajong. They advanced to the Durand Cup semifinals after defeating a tough Indian Army team.

Coach Benali was aware of the enormity of the occasion stating in pre-game comments, “This semi-final isn’t just another match. We’re playing in Kolkata against the home team, in front of their fans. And East Bengal are a team with quality players in all positions and on the bench too. We’re here to represent our region and fight for our people. Our fans believe in us and we want to make them proud. Together, as one, we’ll give it our all and make history.”

The Highlanders do lead the head to head against the century old club but to beat the resurgent 16-time Durand champions in their den in front of their home fans, they will certainly need to create history.

NorthEast United vs East Bengal Predicted XI

North East United FC Predicted XI:

Mirshad Michu, Tondonba Singh, Michel Zabaco, Gaurav Bora, Hira Mondal, Pragyan Gogoi, Romain Philippoteux, Redeem Tlang, Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, and Ibson Melo.

East Bengal Predicted XI:

Prabhsukhan Gill, Nishu Kumar, Lalchungnunga, Jordan Elsey, Souvik Chakrabarti, Harmanjot Khabra, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Borja Herrera, Nandhakumar Sekar, Javier Siverio