East Bengal FC Advances to Durand Cup Final After Penalty Shootout Victory
East Bengal FC Secures Final Spot
East Bengal FC has successfully reached the final of the Durand Cup, overcoming Sporting Club Delhi 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw during regulation time. The match took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.
In a closely contested match, both teams had chances but failed to score. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill was pivotal for East Bengal, saving a penalty from Rodriguinho during the match and another from Juan Sebastian Pena in the shootout. Mohamad Basim Rashid scored the final penalty, securing East Bengal's place in the final. They will face the winner of the upcoming semi-final between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC, scheduled for August 20, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Match Overview and Key Moments
SC Delhi's head coach, Tomasz Tchorz, utilized a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Joseph Sunny and Rodriguinho in attack, with Pena in midfield. In contrast, East Bengal's Antonio Lopez Habas opted for a 4-4-1-1 setup, placing Dani Ramirez Fernandez behind lone striker Jesin T.K. Thonikkara.
The match began with both teams eager to take control. Pena attempted a long-range shot early on, but it missed the target. East Bengal quickly responded with a clever backheel from Edmund Lalrindika, setting up Jesin for a dangerous cross, although Bipin Singh couldn't connect.
As the game progressed, East Bengal began to dominate possession, with Edmund playing a crucial role in midfield. SC Delhi maintained a solid defense, with Lalrinliana Hnamte frequently supporting the backline. The closest chance for East Bengal came in the 16th minute when Basim Rashid's free-kick hit the crossbar. Shortly after, another combination play between Edmund and Dani Ramirez led to a blocked shot from Rashid.
Jesin nearly scored for East Bengal when he fired a shot that hit the outside of the crossbar. SC Delhi's captain, Lamgoulen Semkholun, made a vital defensive play to thwart a fast break from East Bengal.
The best opportunity for SC Delhi came in the 33rd minute when Rodriguinho was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. However, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a crucial save, keeping the score at 0-0 as both teams went into halftime.
Second Half Action and Penalty Shootout
The second half saw East Bengal maintaining possession while SC Delhi remained a threat on counterattacks. In the 47th minute, a long clearance found Rodriguinho, but Anwar Ali's timely interception prevented a goal.
SC Delhi continued to press, with Rodriguinho and Lamgoulen Semkholun creating chances, but East Bengal's defense held firm. The match remained tightly contested, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.
In the closing minutes, East Bengal's Basim Rashid hit the post again, marking their third shot that struck the woodwork. Despite several attempts, neither team could score, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, East Bengal took the first kick, with Anwar Ali scoring. SC Delhi's Pena had his shot saved by Gill. East Bengal's Rohit Danu scored next, followed by a successful penalty from Rodriguinho for SC Delhi. Both teams continued to convert their penalties until Mohamad Basim Rashid scored the decisive penalty, sending East Bengal FC to the final.
Looking Ahead
East Bengal FC will now await the outcome of the second semi-final between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC, which will determine their opponent in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup final on Sunday, August 23, 2026.