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

East Bengal FC Secures Semifinal Spot

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 17: A decisive header from PV Vishnu in the first half propelled East Bengal FC past a determined Indian Army FT, allowing them to secure a place in the semifinals of the IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Entering the knockout match on Sunday, East Bengal adopted an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation.

Phurba Lachenpa was positioned in goal, shielded by defenders Jay Gupta, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, and Boris Singh. Rohit Kumar and Mohamad Basim Rashid formed a solid midfield duo, enabling Dani Ramirez, Christopher Ikonomidis, and P.V. Vishnu to support lone striker David Lalhlansanga, as detailed in a press release.

In contrast, Indian Army FT set up a defensive 5-3-2 formation to withstand the anticipated pressure. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri was in goal, backed by a five-man defense comprising Sunil Benchamin, Pardeep Singh, Lethaolen Khongsai, Chabin Rabha, and Shafeel PP. The midfield trio included Abhishek Shankar Pawar, P Christopher Kamei, and Shubham Rana, while Samir Murmu and Saikhom Borish Singh led the attack.

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

East Bengal continued to press, coming close again in the 12th minute from a set-piece. Ramirez delivered a beautifully struck left-footed free-kick that beat the goalkeeper but narrowly missed the target, hitting the side-netting.

The one-sided action persisted through the second quarter, with Indian Army struggling to match East Bengal's intensity. In the 20th minute, Ramirez set up David Lalhlansanga with a precise pass, but the forward failed to finish.

Shortly after, center-back Lalchungnunga made a forward run and unleashed a powerful long-range shot that forced Bhabindra Malla Thakuri into a spectacular save.

Indian Army found it challenging to maintain possession, often resorting to aerial duels and long balls to relieve pressure. East Bengal's best chance of the half came in the 29th minute when Jay Gupta sent a pinpoint cross to P.V. Vishnu, who was unmarked in a one-on-one situation. Unfortunately, his grounded shot went straight to the goalkeeper.

East Bengal finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Christopher Ikonomidis sent an inviting cross into the box, and Vishnu redeemed himself for his earlier miss by rising to meet the ball with a perfectly timed header into the right corner. Thakuri managed to get a fingertip to it but couldn't prevent the goal, giving East Bengal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade maintained their control for the rest of the half, with Mohamad Basim Rashid attempting a long-range shot just before the interval, which went wide.

After the break, Indian Army displayed more attacking intent and earned an early corner, which East Bengal's defense handled comfortably. Rashid then tried an ambitious long-range shot from outside the box, but it sailed over the crossbar.

East Bengal nearly doubled their lead around the hour mark when substitute Jesin TK intercepted a long ball from Rashid and raced past the advancing goalkeeper. However, his shot hit the crossbar, denying him an immediate impact.

Indian Army created their best chance shortly after, with substitute Abhi S. Biju finding space and unleashing a powerful low shot that narrowly missed the target.

East Bengal responded in the 67th minute when substitute Edmund Lalrindika found Ramirez in the box, but the Spaniard's shot went just over the crossbar.

As the match neared its conclusion, East Bengal's attacking intensity waned, yet they continued to generate clear opportunities. The final ten minutes were marked by a frustrating series of missed chances.

In the 80th minute, Bipin Singh set up Jesin TK with a precise pass, but the forward failed to convert from close range. Moments later, Jesin returned the favor, putting Bipin through, only for the winger to squander another one-on-one opportunity.

Jesin had another chance to secure the win in the 87th minute when he connected with a cross from Edmund, but his header went directly to Thakuri.

With five minutes of stoppage time added, Indian Army almost equalized against the run of play. In the 91st minute, Abhishek Shankar Pawar unleashed a dangerous shot that briefly threatened to spoil East Bengal's dominant performance, but the Kolkata side held on to survive the late scare.

Despite Indian Army's improved performance after halftime and a couple of genuine chances, East Bengal maintained control for most of the match, enjoying approximately 80 percent of the overall possession.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade ultimately claimed a well-deserved victory, although their dominance could have been reflected in a more decisive scoreline had they converted the numerous clear-cut opportunities they created.