East Bengal FC booked their place in the Durand Cup 2026 final after overcoming SC Delhi 5-3 on penalties in a tense first semifinal at the end of a goalless 90 minutes.
The Red & Gold Brigade controlled much of the attacking play and repeatedly threatened the SC Delhi defence, but a combination of resolute defending and missed opportunities kept the scores level throughout regulation time.
The semifinal was eventually decided from the spot. Anwar Ali, Rohit Danu, Lalchungnunga, Christopher Ikonomidis and Mohammed Rashid all converted their penalties for East Bengal. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill then produced the decisive moment, saving SC Delhi’s opening attempt from Juan Sebastian Pena.
Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina and Mohammed Aimen found the net for SC Delhi, but Gill’s crucial save gave East Bengal the edge and sealed their passage to the final.
The victory takes East Bengal FC to their 28th Durand Cup final. The Kolkata giants have already lifted the prestigious trophy 16 times and will now aim to add another title to their illustrious history.
East Bengal FC Starting XI:
Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Sandip Mandi, Jay Gupta, Anwar Ali, Hardik Bhatt, Mohammad Rashid, Bipin Singh, Jeakson Singh, Dani Ramirez, Edmund Lalrindika, Jesin TK
Picture Courtesy: Durand Cup Media
