Xtra Time Web Desk: Mohammedan Sporting struck twice in the extra time to clinch a tense 4-2 win over FC Bengaluru United to storm into the Durand Cup final at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday.
Following a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time that saw the Bengaluru outfit go down to 10 men, substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika (103rd minute) put the local favourites in front. Seven minutes later, it was their Serbian captain Nikola Stojanovic who put an end to the 120-minute thriller, guiding the Black Panthers to their fifth final appearance, and first since 2013.
The Kolkata outfit will face the winners of FC Goa and Bengaluru FC in the summit clash on October 3.
In front of a 25,000-plus crowd who were allowed for the second time in this tournament, Mohammedan Sporting were in for a shock with Bengaluru United scoring moments after the match began.
Pedro Manzi fired Bengaluru United ahead in the first 20 seconds to stun the local crowd. Black Panthers scored the equalizer nine minutes later with Marcus Joseph showing superb dribbling skills before finishing from a narrow angle.
The Trinidadian, who was adjudged man-of-the-match, set it up for Faisal Ali in the 38th minute to make it 2-1 for the home side. Local boy Kingshuk Debnath equalised for the Bengaluru side (78th) to bring the match on an even keel.
The side from Bengaluru were dealt a blow towards the dying stages of the match as Pedro Manzi was flashed a red card for trying his version of hand of God goal.