NorthEast United Chase Historic First Trophy In Durand Cup Final Against Mohun Bagan Super Giants

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will seek a record-extending 18th title when they face first-time finalists NorthEast United FC in the Durand Cup summit showdown here on Saturday, hoping the injury concerns over skipper Subhasish Bose would not come in their way. For a team that did not concede a single goal in the group stage, Mohun Bagan went 0-2 down after their defensive mainstay, Bose, struggled with an injury and was substituted at the half-hour mark in their semifinal against Bengaluru FC.

The Blues made full use of the defensive frailty to go 2-0 up. The Mariners fought hard to restore parity before Vishal Kaith's brilliance under the bar sealed a glorious 4-3 win in the tiebreaker.

Bose had a light training with his teammates on Friday and it is still not clear whether coach Jose Molina will risk starting the team's captain in the tournament's biggest match.

While Mohun Bagan's defence seemed to be their weak link, the cohesion in the midfield and incisive attack led by Jason Cummings and Dimitri Petratos showed the way for the Mariners.

Among Indians, Liston Colaco and Aniruth Thapa have been impressive and the latter's peach of a goal in the 84th minute had turned it around for them against the Blues.

Goalkeeper Kaith has been phenomenal in the last two knockout matches, saving four penalties, first against Punjab FC and then versus Bengaluru and he will once again be the key against the spirited NorthEast United FC.

"It feels great to play successive finals. We gave our 100 per cent and made a great comeback after the two-goal deficit. Full credit to the team to score the two crucial goals and bring the match to the tie-breaker," Kaith said.

Unlike the quarters and semis, the final will have extra-time and Mohun