Mohun Bagan Super Giant goalkeeper Vishal Kaith delivered when it mattered most, making two decisive saves in a penalty shootout to send the Mariners into the Durand Cup 2026 final on Thursday.
Mohun Bagan defeated NorthEast United 4-3 on penalties after the semifinal finished goalless in regulation time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The result sets up a high-profile final against arch-rival East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.
Wet conditions played a major role in a tightly contested semifinal. Neither team managed to control midfield during the opening stages, with both sides relying heavily on long passes instead of sustained build-up play.
Mohun Bagan created the first notable opportunity when Liston Colaco tested NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh with a free-kick. Kiyan Nassiri later went for goal from a difficult angle but could only hit the side-netting.
NorthEast United responded through Alaaeddine Ajaraie, whose volley went narrowly wide after he controlled a high ball from a set-piece. Sahal Abdul Samad also threatened before half-time, winning possession in midfield and attempting an ambitious long-range effort after spotting Gurmeet backpedalling. The goalkeeper recovered quickly enough to make the save.
Chances remained limited after the break. NorthEast United came close around the hour mark when Abdul Rabeeh delivered a dangerous low cross from the right, but Ajaraie narrowly failed to make contact.
The Highlanders continued to produce some of the better openings as the match progressed. Macarton Nickson was presented with an opportunity inside the penalty area following a move that switched play from left to right, but his attempt ended in the side-netting.
With neither team finding a breakthrough, the semifinal went to penalties.
Both sides converted their opening three spot-kicks before Kaith took control of the contest. The Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stopped Robin Yadav’s fourth penalty to hand his team the advantage.
Jamie Maclaren then converted his attempt to move the Mariners closer to victory. Kaith completed the job with another crucial save, this time denying Parthib Gogoi and sealing a 4-3 shootout win.
Mohun Bagan will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face East Bengal for the Durand Cup title in Kolkata.
