Kolkata, Aug 31:    NorthEast United FC claimed their first major title by winning the 133rd Durand Cup, edging out Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan took the lead early when Jason Cummings converted a penalty in the 11th minute following a foul by Asheer Akhtar on Sahal Abdul Samad. Sahal then doubled Mohun Bagan’s lead just before halftime with a goal from Anirudh Thapa’s cross, making it 2-0.

NorthEast United rallied in the second half, with Alaaeddine Ajaraei scoring in the 55th minute and Guillermo Fernandez equalizing with a volley in the 57th minute to bring the score to 2-2.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, NorthEast United’s goalkeeper Gurmeet made a key save. Guillermo Fernandez, Manvir Singh, Nestor Albaich, and Alaaeddine Ajaraei all scored for NEUFC. Mohun Bagan’s Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose had their penalties saved, sealing the win for NorthEast United.

This victory marks NorthEast United’s first-ever Durand Cup win and their first major trophy since the club’s founding a decade ago. The achievement is a landmark moment for the Highlanders and their fans.