East Bengal FC Advances to Durand Cup Semifinals with Victory Over Indian Army FT

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, East Bengal FC secured their spot in the semifinals of the IndianOil Durand Cup, defeating a determined Indian Army FT side 1-0, thanks to a first-half header from PV Vishnu.

Starting Lineups

Entering the knockout match on Sunday, East Bengal opted for an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation. Phurba Lachenpa was in goal, shielded by defenders Jay Gupta, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, and Boris Singh. Rohit Kumar and Mohamad Basim Rashid formed the midfield duo, supporting Dani Ramirez, Christopher Ikonomidis, and P.V. Vishnu behind lone striker David Lalhlansanga.

On the other hand, Indian Army FT set up in a more defensive 5-3-2 formation to withstand the expected pressure. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri was the goalkeeper, with Sunil Benchamin, Pardeep Singh, Lethaolen Khongsai, Chabin Rabha, and Shafeel PP making up the five-man defense. The midfield trio consisted of Abhishek Shankar Pawar, P Christopher Kamei, and Shubham Rana, while Samir Murmu and Saikhom Borish Singh led the attack.

First-Half Dominance and Breakthrough

From the outset, East Bengal asserted their dominance, controlling possession and pushing the Army team back into their half. The first significant chance came in the sixth minute, but Dani Ramirez failed to convert after a well-executed passing sequence.

East Bengal continued to threaten, coming close in the 12th minute with a free-kick from Ramirez that narrowly missed the target after beating the goalkeeper.

The Kolkata team maintained their pressure, with Indian Army struggling to cope. In the 20th minute, Ramirez set up David Lalhlansanga, but the forward could not finish. Shortly after, Lalchungnunga's long-range shot forced a spectacular save from Thakuri.

Indian Army found it challenging to maintain possession, often resorting to long balls. East Bengal's best chance of the half came in the 29th minute when Jay Gupta's cross found P.V. Vishnu, but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper.

Vishnu Puts East Bengal Ahead

East Bengal finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Christopher Ikonomidis sent a precise cross into the box, and Vishnu made up for his earlier miss by heading the ball into the right corner, giving East Bengal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Missed Chances Define Second Half

After halftime, Indian Army displayed more attacking intent, earning an early corner that East Bengal defended well. Rashid attempted a long-range shot, but it went over the bar.

East Bengal nearly doubled their lead when substitute Jesin TK intercepted a pass and raced towards goal, only to hit the crossbar.

Indian Army's best chance came shortly after, with substitute Abhi S. Biju's low shot just missing the target. East Bengal responded with a chance for Ramirez, whose shot went over the bar.

As the match neared its conclusion, East Bengal's intensity waned, yet they continued to create opportunities. In the 80th minute, Bipin Singh set up Jesin TK, who missed a close-range chance. Jesin then assisted Bipin, but the winger squandered another opportunity.

Jesin had another chance in the 87th minute, but his header went directly to Thakuri. In stoppage time, Indian Army almost equalized with a dangerous shot from Abhishek Shankar Pawar, but East Bengal held on for the win.

Despite Indian Army's improved performance in the second half, East Bengal controlled the match, enjoying approximately 80% possession. The Red-and-Gold Brigade's victory was deserved, although they could have won by a larger margin had they converted more of their chances.