Kolkata, August 2025 – The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan witnessed an electrifying evening as Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a masterclass in attacking football, thrashing Diamond Harbour FC 5-1 to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup 2025.
It was a night of dominance for the Mariners, who not only topped Group B but also sent a clear message to their rivals that they mean serious business this season. Anirudh Thapa opened the scoring early, only for Luka Majcen to bring Diamond Harbour back into the game. But Mohun Bagan quickly reasserted control, with goals from Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Jason Cummings completing a commanding victory.
A Bright Start with Early Drama
The game began with both sides looking to establish an early foothold. Diamond Harbour, aware of the magnitude of the challenge, set up cautiously, trying to soak up pressure and hit on the counter. Mohun Bagan, however, were in no mood to waste time.
The first breakthrough came in the 19th minute. Anirudh Thapa, who has been in sublime form, found himself perfectly positioned at the edge of the penalty area. Receiving a clever first-time pass from the midfield, Thapa didn’t hesitate — he bent a stunning right-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Diamond Harbour goalkeeper completely stranded. The Mariners’ fans erupted, their chants echoing across the Salt Lake Stadium.
But football has a way of springing surprises, and Diamond Harbour struck back almost instantly.
Diamond Harbour’s Equaliser — A Moment of Lapse
Just four minutes later, a rare defensive lapse from Mohun Bagan allowed Diamond Harbour’s Slovenian forward, Luka Majcen, to sneak in unmarked inside the box. A simple ball from the flank found him in acres of space, and with ice-cold composure, Majcen slotted the ball past Vishal Kaith.
The scoreline was back level at 1-1, and for a brief spell, the underdogs had hope. The equaliser also brought some tension among Mohun Bagan’s backline, with Diamond Harbour sensing that they could perhaps pull off a shock if they kept the intensity.
Maclaren Restores the Lead
However, Mohun Bagan are not a side to be rattled easily. They regrouped quickly, and their high pressing began to force mistakes from the opposition. In the 33rd minute, a costly error from Diamond Harbour’s goalkeeper changed the momentum once again.
Attempting to launch a goal-kick, the custodian misdirected his pass straight into the path of Jamie Maclaren. The Australian striker, known for his killer instinct, didn’t waste a second. With a quick toe-poke, he sent the ball rolling past the keeper and into the net.
Mohun Bagan were back in front at 2-1, and this time, they looked determined to hold onto their advantage. They kept the ball well, moved it swiftly from flank to flank, and forced Diamond Harbour to retreat deeper into their own half.
Half-Time: Mariners in Control
The first half ended with Mohun Bagan leading 2-1, but the real difference was in their energy levels and movement. Thapa was dictating play from the middle, Sahal was drifting into dangerous spaces, and Colaco was stretching the defence wide.
Diamond Harbour, meanwhile, were already showing signs of fatigue, having chased the ball for large parts of the half. The Mariners went into the tunnel confident, but coach Juan Ferrando reminded his players not to take their foot off the gas.
Second Half Starts with a Game-Changing Moment
Barely a few minutes into the second half, Mohun Bagan’s relentless pressure paid off again. Liston Colaco, whose pace and dribbling had been a constant headache for the visitors, darted into the box with another clever run.
In desperation, defender Naresh Singh Yendrembam lunged in with a reckless challenge, bringing Colaco down. The referee had no hesitation — it was a clear penalty. The challenge also denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, leading to a straight red card for Naresh. Diamond Harbour were now down to 10 men, and the writing was on the wall.
Colaco’s Cool Penalty Makes it 3-1
Liston Colaco picked himself up, dusted off, and took responsibility for the spot-kick. With a short run-up, he calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
At 3-1, Mohun Bagan had not only restored their cushion but also gained a numerical advantage that would allow them to dictate the game completely.
Thapa and Sahal Take Over Midfield
With Diamond Harbour reduced to ten men, the Mariners began to enjoy more space in midfield. Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad orchestrated wave after wave of attacks. Their link-up play was silky, their passes precise, and their vision unerring.
In the 64th minute, the fourth goal arrived. A defensive misjudgment inside the Diamond Harbour box saw the ball land at Sahal’s feet. Without hesitation, he calmly rolled the ball into the net with trademark composure. The scoreboard now read 4-1, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
Jason Cummings Adds the Final Flourish
As the match entered its final stages, Mohun Bagan didn’t slow down. They continued to push forward, looking to give their fans even more to cheer about.
In the 80th minute, substitute Jason Cummings found himself in a perfect shooting position on the edge of the box. A pinpoint pass from the midfield sliced through the Diamond Harbour defence, and Cummings, with time and space, curled a beautiful shot into the far corner.
It was a goal of pure quality, capping off a dominant 5-1 victory.
Tactical Brilliance from Mohun Bagan
What stood out in this match was Mohun Bagan’s tactical discipline. Even after conceding the equaliser, they didn’t panic. Their high-pressing strategy forced errors, and their fluid attacking transitions ensured constant pressure on the opposition.
Coach Juan Ferrando’s decision to keep pushing after going 3-1 up also paid dividends, as it allowed the team to maintain rhythm and confidence heading into the quarterfinals.
Diamond Harbour’s Struggle
For Diamond Harbour FC, it was a night of frustration. Their equaliser had briefly given them hope, but costly errors — both from the goalkeeper and the defence — proved fatal.
The red card in the second half effectively killed their chances of a comeback, and from there, it became a damage-limitation exercise.
However, they are not entirely out of the tournament. Their progression now depends on other group results, as they still have a chance to qualify as one of the best runners-up.
Standout Performers
- Anirudh Thapa – Dictated the game’s tempo, scored a beautiful opener, and created multiple chances.
- Liston Colaco – Won and converted the penalty, constantly stretched the defence.
- Jamie Maclaren – Sharp in front of goal and ruthless in punishing mistakes.
- Sahal Abdul Samad – Intelligent movement and a composed finish.
- Jason Cummings – Came off the bench to score a superb curling effort.
What’s Next for Mohun Bagan?
With this emphatic win, Mohun Bagan have topped Group B and booked their spot in the Durand Cup 2025 Quarterfinals. They will face a yet-to-be-decided opponent, but with their current form, few teams will be eager to meet them.
The Mariners’ attack looks potent, their midfield well-balanced, and their defence solid despite the minor lapse for Diamond Harbour’s goal. Fans are already dreaming of another Durand Cup title.
Final Score
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 5 – 1 Diamond Harbour FC
Goals:
- Anirudh Thapa (19’)
- Luka Majcen (23’)
- Jamie Maclaren (33’)
- Liston Colaco (pen, 50’)
- Sahal Abdul Samad (64’)
- Jason Cummings (80’)
Summary
This was a statement win from Mohun Bagan Super Giant — a blend of skill, strategy, and killer instinct. Diamond Harbour showed brief resistance but were eventually outclassed by a side that looks ready to go all the way in the Durand Cup 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Durand Cup 2025
1. What was the score in Mohun Bagan vs Diamond Harbour FC Durand Cup 2025 match?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Diamond Harbour FC 5-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 2025. Goals came from Anirudh Thapa, Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Jason Cummings, while Luka Majcen scored for Diamond Harbour.
2. Who will Mohun Bagan play next in the Durand Cup 2025?
Mohun Bagan have progressed to the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup 2025 after topping Group B. Their next opponent will be decided after the completion of all group stage matches. The quarterfinal fixture details will be announced by the Durand Cup organizers soon.
3. What is the Durand Cup 2025 quarterfinal schedule?
The Durand Cup 2025 quarterfinals are expected to begin shortly after the group stage concludes. The official schedule, including dates, venues, and kick-off times, will be released by the Durand Cup Committee. Fans can follow updates on the official Durand Cup website or social media pages.
4. Can Diamond Harbour still qualify for the Durand Cup 2025 knockouts?
Yes. Despite their 5-1 defeat, Diamond Harbour FC can still qualify as one of the best runners-up in the group stage. Their progression depends on the results of other groups.
5. Who were the standout players in Mohun Bagan’s win?
- Anirudh Thapa – Scored the opening goal and controlled the midfield.
- Liston Colaco – Won and converted a penalty, constant attacking threat.
- Jamie Maclaren – Took advantage of a defensive error to score.
- Sahal Abdul Samad – Smart positioning and a composed finish.
- Jason Cummings – Came off the bench to score a curling beauty.
6. How many goals has Mohun Bagan scored in the Durand Cup 2025 so far?
With this 5-1 win, Mohun Bagan’s goal tally in the group stage has risen significantly, showcasing their attacking firepower. The exact total will depend on results from their previous group matches.
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