Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) overcame a tremendous fight from Punjab FC and downed them 6-5 on sudden-death penalties, to ensure a berth in the last-four of the 133rd Durand Cup. Previously, the 90-minute regulation time ended in a thrilling quarter-final clash 3-3 at the Tata Steel Sports Complex stadium on Friday. 

Scottish defender Thomas Aldred scored the final penalty for the Mariners to beat keeper Ravi Kumar's effort and secure victory in a see-saw battle. 

Punjab Fc broke the deadlock through a Luka Majcen spot-kick early in the first-half. MBSG however went ahead thanks to a double strike on either side of the half-time by Suhail Bhat and Manvir Singh. 

Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak and Argentine forward Norberto Vidal then scored in succession to give Punjab the lead again. But Australian World Cupper Jason Cummings brought MBSG into the match, restoring parity in the 79th minute as the game went to tie-breakers given there was no provision for extra-time.

Then even though Cummings missed MBSG’s first spot-kick, Punjab’s Croatian defender Novoselec was stopped by Mariners keeper Vishal Kaith from converting the fifth kick which would have given them the win, as Greg Stewart promptly brought MBSG back on level terms.

As sudden death kicked in Melroy Assisi converted for the Shers and so did Subhashish Bose and Aldred (with the winning kick) for MBSG. 

But Vishal’s second save, this time off Denechandram Meetei, turned decisive in the end.

Among MBSG’s other scorers in the tie-breaker were Manvir, Liston Colaco, and Dimi Petratos while Vinit Rai, Vidal, Bakenga, and Mrzljak scored for the Punjab FC.

Mariner's gaffer Jose Molena made as many as four changes to his starting eleven from the previous game. In contrast, Panagiotis Dilmperis, Punjab’s new Greek head coach made a couple from their previous game against Mumbai City.