Kolkata held its breath, and East Bengal delivered. In a nerve-shredding first semi-final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the Red-and-Gold Brigade edged Sporting Club Delhi 5-3 on penalties after 90 goalless minutes to book their place in Sunday’s final.
How the Drama Unfolded
Both sides created chances but couldn’t find the net in regulation time. Basim Rashid rattled the crossbar early, Jesin T.K. struck the woodwork, and SC Delhi’s Rodriguinho saw his 33rd-minute penalty brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill — a moment that changed the tie. With scores locked at 0-0, the match went to the dreaded shootout, where Gill turned hero again, saving a second spot-kick before captain Basim Rashid slotted home the winner.
East Bengal : Match Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | East Bengal FC vs SC Delhi |
| Result | 0-0 (5-3 on penalties) |
| Venue | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| Date | August 19, 2026 |
| Hero | Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (2 penalty saves) |
| Next Up | Durand Cup Final vs Mohun Bagan/NorthEast United |
Why This Win Matters
This isn’t just a shootout win — it’s a statement. East Bengal’s defence, marshalled by Anwar Ali, and Gill’s heroics between the posts show a team peaking at the right time. They now await the winner of Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs defending champions NorthEast United FC, with the Durand Cup trophy on the line this Sunday.
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