Kolkata, August 24, 2019: The Mariners long wait for a Durand Cup title continued as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Gokulam Kerala in Durand Cup final.

Kibu Vicuna made two changes in the team that won the semi-final, bringing in Debjit Mazumdar in goal and awarding a start to hero of semi final VP Suhair. The first half was mostly a cagey affair as neither team failed to get a clear cut chance. Both goalkeepers made saves to deny respective teams. A minute before half time whistle Marcus Joseph found Henry Kiseka with a pass who was left one on one with Mazumdar. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper had no chance but to bring the Ugandan striker down – Joseph converted the resulting penalty to give a 1-0 lead to Gokulam.

Mohun Bagan had a good chance in the beginning of the second half when Suhair’s shot glazed the gloves of Ubaid. Unfortunately Marcus Joseph found himself free and he scored his11th Durand Cup goal past Debjit Mazumdar’s near post to double Gokulam’s lead. Mohun Bagan pulled a goal back when Salva Chamorro’s header was spilled by Ubaid on 64th minute.

Rest of the match saw frantic action on both ends as Marcus Joseph, Henry Kiseka, Gurjinder Kumar and Fran Gonzalez had their shots flying wide or saved. There was drama towards the end when Mohun Bagan had a strong penalty shout turned down. Few seconds before the final whistle a header from Salva Chamorro flew wide from point blank range, summing up a bad day at the office for the Mariners.

Mohun Bagan will resume their Calcutta League campaign on 28th August with a match against BSS at the Kalyani Stadium.