Debutant Diamond Harbour takes on NEUFC in Durand Cup final

Diamond Harbour FC, debutants in the Durand Cup, face defending champions NorthEast United FC in a high-stakes final in Kolkata, with a record Rs 1.21 crore prize at stake

Hyderabad: The stage is set for a grand spectacle at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday as defending champions NorthEast United FC square off against debutant sensation Diamond Harbour FC in the grand finale of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup.

It is a clash that pits the reigning champions’ pedigree and consistency against the newcomers’ fearless history-chasing run, with the oldest football tournament in Asia awaiting a new chapter to unfold. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 pm.

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The Highlanders return to the final for the second successive year, showcasing resilience, discipline, and flashes of brilliance throughout the campaign.

Topping Group E, they overcame Shillong Lajong (2-1), Malaysian Armed Forces (3-1), and drew with Rangdajied United (2-2). In the quarterfinals, they stormed past Bodoland FC 4-0, with Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie continuing his prolific form.

Highlanders’ captain Zabaco summed up the mood: “We have to be very careful and at our best to win the finals. They have beaten many strong teams.”

Diamond Harbour FC’s dream run

If NorthEast United’s journey has been about defending their crown, Diamond Harbour’s story has been nothing short of a fairytale. Making their Durand Cup debut, Kibu Vicuña’s men have torn up the script at every stage.

Spanish defender Mikel Idiakez’s audacious back-volley and Jobby Justin’s late strike sealed their passage into the final, while goalkeeper Mirshad Michu delivered a man-of-the-match performance against his former club. Slovenian Luka Majcen, with four goals to their name, remains their chief marksman, while Jobby’s pace and Vicuña’s tactical adaptability make them a dangerous opponent.

NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said, “Diamond Harbour have defeated East Bengal who were the favourites. I don’t think we are the favourites. It’s the final. In the final there are no good teams. There are no favourites in the final. This is a very psychological game. I think the team who is strong mentally will win the game.”

Kibu Vicuña, head coach of Diamond Harbour FC, said, “We are playing with the champions who have a very good team. We are prepared but starting with humility. Pressure is a privilege. We don’t have additional pressure. It’s a special game to play a Durand Cup final.”

Saturday’s showdown promises a fascinating clash of styles. NorthEast United rely on structured build-up, midfield control through Andy Rodríguez and Chema Núñez, and the ruthless finishing of Ajaraie. In contrast, Diamond Harbour thrive on unpredictability, blending Majcen’s hold-up play with Jobby’s direct runs and the midfield work rate of Samuel and Paul.

The winners will walk away with a record Rs 1.21 crore, the highest champion’s purse in the 137-year history of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The runner-up receives Rs 60 lakhs, losing semifinalists Rs 25 lakhs each, and losing quarter-finalists Rs 15 lakhs each.