Mohammedan Sporting win Durand Cup after 73 years

New Delhi: Mohammedan Sporting annexed the Durand trophy beating tenacious ONGC 2-1 in a thrilling, fast paced final at the Dr Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday. Mohammedan Sporting won the Durand final after 73 years, their last victory coming in 1940 when they beat Royal Warwickshire Regiment of England by 2-1. This was Mohammedan Sporting fifth entry in the Durand final.

Coach Masood Abdul Aziz Bola surprisingly rested Penn Orji and played dashing striker Tolgay Ozbey as the second foreigner. Tolgay made the difference with his speed, opportunism and powerful shots. He set up the first goal in the 36th minute surging past right back Sachin Gawas and reversing the ball to hardworking midfielder Anthony Soren, whose first time shot trickled into the net off Hassan Adeola’s ankle the ONGC central defender.

At the stroke off half time, Ozbey scored the goal of the tournament unleashing a blistering right footer from the left edge of the box which bulged the top corner of the net.

ONGC reduced the margin 11 minutes into the second half. ONGC’s central midfielder Asian Hassan took a powerful free kick which goalkeeper Somnath Khara could not grip and darting Lavino Fernandez dashing in headed into the net. Both teams had scoring chances in the rest of the mat5ch but Mohammedan Sporting held on for a historic win and received the three trophies and the winners cheque of Rs. 25 lakhs.

Meanwhile, The chief guest on the occasion was Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff.

The General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area Lt Gen Subroto Mitra, AVSM, SM, VSM, welcomed the Chief Guest in his address before the commencement of match.

Both Mohammedan Sporting Club & ONGC played a well contested final. Mohammedan Sporting Club dominated, the possession and penetrated ONGC well organised defence. The final score was 2- 1 in favour of Mohammedan Sporting Club. On paper Mohammedan Sporting Club the Kolkata side was overwhelming favourite.

The highlights were also spectacular display of Kalaripayattu dance and the tri services marshal band display which kept the spectators mesmerized. The details of scorers are as given below:-