Kaith Shootout Hero As Champs Bagan Beat Bengaluru FC, Enter Durand Final

Another Final for Bagan after Stunning Win on Penalties

After a pulsating 120 minutes, the defending champions ATK Mohun Bagan edged out Bengaluru FC on penalties to reach the Durand Cup final on Wednesday.

In a match that was watched by 12,545 spectators at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Ashique Kuruniyan was the only player to miss from the spot as Mariners managed to hold their nerves to seal the win 5-4 on penalties.

The result means that Bagan will now face Mumbai City FC in the final on Sunday, while Bengaluru FC's hopes of winning the tournament for the first time since 1988 have been dashed.

How Both Teams Fared

Bengaluru FC started brightly and had the better of the chances in the first half.

The Blues came close to taking the lead in the 10th minute when Sivasakthi Narayanan's shot from distance thundered against the crossbar.

Bagan grew into the game as the half wore on and had their own chances, with Manvir Singh and Kuruniyan both going close.

Bagan Dominate the Second Half and Extra Time

The Mariners were much the better side in the second half and extra time, and they created a number of clear-cut chances.

However, they were unable to find a way past Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who made a number of fine saves.

The match went to penalties, and it was Bagan who held their nerve to win the shootout.

Kaith Shines In the Shootout

Bagan goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made two saves in the shootout, but it was his replacement, Arshdeep Singh, who was the hero.

Arshdeep saved Kuruniyan's penalty to send Bagan through to the final.

The Mariners will now be hoping to win the Durand Cup for the 17th time, while Bengaluru FC will be aiming to bounce back from this disappointment when they face Hyderabad FC in the third-place match on Saturday.