Air India and Dodsal played out to a goalless 90 minutes at first. The score remained the same through extra time. With the score 0–0 after extra time, the match went to penalties as neither side were able to score a first goal. Despite missing two penalties, Air India won the shootout 3–2 to win the Durand Cup for first time in their history.
Air India entered the Durand Cup at the group stage and was paired in Group A with Delhi United and Pailan Arrows. They played their first match on 26 August 2012 against Delhi United in which Air India won 3–0 with goals from Pradeep Mohanraj, Ong Lepcha, and Neil Gaikwad.[1] Then on 28 August 2012 the club played their second match of the tournament against Pailan Arrows in which they drew 1–1 with Souvik Chakraborty scoring the lone goal for Air India.[2] That victory managed to push Air India through to the semi-finals in which they faced SESA Football Academy on 30 August 2012. Air India won the match on penalties 7–6 to move on to the final of the Durand Cup after extra time finished at 2–2.[3]
Dodsal also entered the Durand Cup via Group Stage. They won their first match against Army Red 3–0 before defeating Punjab Police 6–0 to qualify for the semi-finals.[4] In the semi-final Dodsal played against Assam Rifles on 30 August 2012, beating them 6–5 on penalties to qualify for the final.[5]
