East Bengal FC booked their place in the Durand Cup 2026 semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Indian Army FT at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Sunday.
The Red and Gold Brigade found the breakthrough in the 39’ with P.V. Vishnu rising above the defence to power home a header and give East Bengal a crucial lead.
The goal came after Chris Ikonomidis created the opening from the left side of the box. The Australian winger showed composure before delivering a perfectly weighted cross into the area, allowing Vishnu to climb highest and send the ball into the back of the net.
That solitary goal ultimately proved enough as East Bengal defended their advantage to secure a place in the last four.
Vishnu’s decisive header once again highlighted his importance to the Red and Gold attack, while the East Bengal defence stood firm to keep a clean sheet against a determined Indian Army side.
With the victory, East Bengal FC now move into the Durand Cup 2026 semifinals, where they will face SC Delhi for a place in the final.
East Bengal FC Starting XI
Phurba Lachenpa, Jay Gupta, Narender Gahlot, Boris Singh, Lalchungnunga, Mohammad Rashid, Dani Ramirez, P.V. Vishnu, Rohit Kumar, David Hmar Lalhlansanga, Chris Ikonomidis
Picture Courtesy: Duran Cup Media
