Mohun Bagan Storm Into Durand Cup Quarterfinals with a Dominant 5–1 Victory Over Diamond Harbour

Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a footballing masterclass under the floodlights of the Salt Lake Stadium, overwhelming Diamond Harbour FC with a 5–1 scoreline to seal their place in the Durand Cup quarterfinals as Group B leaders.

The match began with both sides eager to assert themselves, but it was Mohun Bagan who drew first blood. In the 19th minute, Anirudh Thapa produced a moment of brilliance, curling a low, precise shot from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted. The lead, however, was short-lived. Diamond Harbour, refusing to be overawed by their decorated opponents, found an equalizer through Luka Majcen, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past the keeper.

But Mohun Bagan’s response was swift and ruthless. Just minutes before the break, Jamie Maclaren intercepted a misplaced back pass from the Diamond Harbour goalkeeper, and with the calmness of a seasoned striker, poked the ball into the net to restore the advantage.

The second half turned decisively in Bagan’s favor when Naresh Singh Yendrembam brought down Liston Colaco inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot and, after heated protests from Diamond Harbour, also brandished a straight red card to Naresh for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Colaco stepped up for the penalty and made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 3–1.

With Diamond Harbour reduced to ten men, Mohun Bagan smelled blood. In the 64th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad latched onto a loose ball after a defensive error and coolly finished into the bottom corner. The rout was completed in the 80th minute when Jason Cummings received a perfectly weighted through ball, held off his marker, and slotted home with precision.

By the final whistle, the scoreline reflected not just Mohun Bagan’s attacking flair but also their composure in high-pressure moments. The victory ensured they finished the group stage unbeaten and with maximum points, sending a clear message to their upcoming knockout opponents.

For Diamond Harbour, the defeat was a bitter pill, though their spirited first-half performance offered glimpses of promise. Their hopes of progressing now rest on other group results to determine if they qualify as one of the best second-placed teams.

Salt Lake Stadium, buzzing with chants and drums, witnessed a night where Mohun Bagan reminded everyone why they remain one of Indian football’s most formidable forces.