Kolkata, August 19: In a thrilling encounter during the first semifinal of the 135th Durand Cup, East Bengal FC defeated Sporting Club Delhi 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless regulation time. Mohammed Basim Rashid converted the decisive spot-kick, securing East Bengal’s place in the final scheduled for Wednesday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Both teams created opportunities, but neither found the back of the net. East Bengal’s goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill emerged as the hero, saving a penalty from Rodgrinho during regulation time and another from Juan Sebastian Pena during the shootout.
East Bengal will face the winner of the second semifinal, which will be contested between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Northeast United FC on Thursday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The match began at a fast pace, with both teams vying for control. Pena tested East Bengal’s defense with a long-range shot early on, but his effort went wide. East Bengal responded quickly, as Edmund Lalrindika cleverly set up Jecin with a backheel pass, leading to a dangerous cross into the box. Bipin Singh made a run from the opposite side but failed to connect with the ball.
Gradually, East Bengal began to apply pressure and dominate possession, with Edmund’s midfield play proving effective. SC Delhi maintained a strong defense, with Lalrinliana Hnamte frequently dropping back to assist. The ‘Red and Gold Brigade’ came closest to scoring in the 16th minute when Basim Rashid’s shot hit the crossbar. A minute later, a brilliant combination between Edmund and Dani Ramirez created another chance for Rashid, but Hnamte thwarted his attempt.
Jecin seized the ball near the SC Delhi box and shot towards goal, but his effort struck the outer part of the crossbar, leaving East Bengal just inches away from taking the lead. SC Delhi countered effectively, with captain Lamgolen Semkholun making crucial defensive plays to halt East Bengal’s swift attacks.
The best chance for the capital team came in the 33rd minute when Rodgrinho showcased excellent footwork to deceive Sandeep Mandi inside the box. However, he was brought down by an East Bengal defender, resulting in a penalty for SC Delhi. Rodgrinho stepped up to take the kick, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill guessed correctly and made a stunning save, keeping the score at 0-0.
After escaping the penalty scare, East Bengal retained possession. Manoj Mohammad made a vital interception to stop another attack, while Nora Fernandes easily caught Edmund’s long-range shot.
Bipin Singh then shot into the side netting, while both Edmund and Rashid missed further attempts. In stoppage time, Edmund had another chance inside the box but failed to score at the near post.
SC Delhi also had one last opportunity before halftime when Joseph Sunny attempted to pass to Rodgrinho, but the pass was too strong. The teams went into halftime tied at 0-0. East Bengal started the second half with more possession, continuing their pursuit of a goal. However, SC Delhi remained dangerous on the counter.
In the 47th minute, a long clearance from Duan Felipe found Rodgrinho, who evaded Anwar Ali and Sandeep Mandi to enter the box. Just as he prepared to shoot, Anwar Ali executed a brilliant sliding interception to deny him.
As the match approached its final stages, the contest remained evenly matched. SC Delhi’s Pena and Rodgrinho combined to create an opportunity for substitute Saurav in the 69th minute, but his long-range shot went wide. Substitute Mohammad Aimen quickly made an impact, pushing the play forward with Saurav, but no SC Delhi player could connect with their cross into the box.
In the 73rd minute, the ‘Red and Gold Brigade’ came close again when Basim Rashid unleashed another powerful shot from distance. The ball slightly deflected off Mohammad Azhar and hit the goalpost, marking East Bengal’s third near miss of the match.
In the dying moments, neither team could find a decisive pass or goal. Ashutosh Mehta and Manoj Mohammad made crucial defensive plays for SC Delhi, while East Bengal continued to send balls into the box without success.
In the final moments of stoppage time, Lalchungnunga delivered another dangerous cross, but SC Delhi defended well, and Fernandes came off his line to claim the ball. East Bengal maintained pressure until the final whistle, but the semifinal ended goalless after 90 minutes.
With no difference between the teams, the first semifinal proceeded to a penalty shootout. East Bengal took the first kick, with Anwar Ali scoring. SC Delhi’s midfielder Pena had his penalty saved by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Rohit Danu then scored for East Bengal, followed by Rodgrinho for SC Delhi.
Lalchungnunga and Duan Felipe both converted their next penalties, followed by successful attempts from Christopher James Economidis and Mohammad Aimen. The shootout was tied until East Bengal’s captain Mohammed Basim Rashid stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty, sending East Bengal FC to the final.
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