Durand Cup: Greg Stewart hat-trick takes Mumbai City to semis after eight-goal thriller

Stewart scored in the 40th, 100th and 118th minute while Lallianzuala Chhangte got a brace in the 78th and 94th minute for the Mumbai side at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Croatian striker Petar Sliskovic (59th), Jockson Dhas (89th) and Rahim Ali (112nd) scored for Chennaiyin. The Islanders face Mohammedan Sporting in the first semifinal at the same venue on Wednesday.

Chennaiyin's Ghanaian striker Kwame Karikari got injured and had to be replaced by Rahim Ali in the 19th minute of the game. The first goal of the match came off a penalty awarded to Mumbai when Ahmed Jahouh played Amay Ranawade through inside the box and keeper Debjit brought him down. Stewart took the kick and although Debjit guessed right and got his hands to it, could not prevent the ball from going into the back of the net.

Chennaiyin gaffer Tomas Brdaric got in Ninthoi in place of Edwin Vanspaul at the break and that turned out to be an inspired substitution. The first goal came just before the hour mark. Ninthoi got the assist with a wonderful lofted ball played inside the box anticipating Sliskovic's run.

The Croat got ahead of Rostyn Griffiths and directed a powerful header past a diving Lachenpa in the near post. Mumbai coach Des Buckingham made his moves bringing in Mourtada Fall for the first time in the season and Gurkirat in place of Mehtab and Rippol. Brdaric also replaced Aakash Sangwan with Sajid Dhot.

Mumbai probably thought they had the winner thanks to a Stewart masterclass in the middle of the Chennaiyin half in the 78th minute. He strolled around before making a run towards the box drawing in defenders towards him and then released Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin's cross was fended away by Debjit but only till a lurking