Defending champions North East United FC scripted history with back-to-back Durand Cup titles with a thumping 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) (Salt Lake Stadium) here on Saturday.
With this emphatic win, the Highlanders became the first club since East Bengal’s three-peat (1989, 1990, 1991) to successfully defend the prestigious Durand Cup title, and they did it in some style under the stewardship of Juan Pedro Benali.
Diamond Harbour’s lone consolation came in the 68th minute when Luka Majcen deflected in a header from Jobby Justin, briefly giving his side hope before the Highlanders’ late surge put the result beyond doubt.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as NorthEast United FC lifted their second consecutive Durand Cup, a night that will be remembered as one of the most dominant final performances in the tournament’s rich history.
NorthEast United FC also swept individual awards with Gurmeet Singh clinching the Golden Glove for the second consecutive season, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie won the Golden Ball for the Most Valuable Player of the Match as well as the Golden Boot for the highest scorer.
The final match of the Durand Cup 25 was played at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Mr.Sanjay Seth, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Aroop Biswas, Minister of Youth Services & Sports, Housing and Power, West Bengal, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Army Commander EC & Patron of the Durand Cup, alongwith other military and civil dignitaries.
The month-long tournament, organised by Eastern Command, featured 24 teams from across India as well as Tribhuvan Army FC from Nepal and the Malaysian Armed Forces was conducted in traditional style and grandeur.
