East Bengal Edge SC Delhi on Penalties to Reach Durand Cup Final

by Chandler D'silva August 20, 2026

East Bengal FC are through to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup final after overcoming Sporting Club Delhi 5-3 on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes in a tense first semi-final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday, August 19.

With neither side able to find the breakthrough despite several promising opportunities, the tie was ultimately decided from the spot. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill emerged as East Bengal’s hero, saving a penalty during normal time and then producing another crucial stop in the shootout before captain Mohamad Basim Rashid converted the decisive kick.

The semi-final began at a lively pace, with both teams looking to impose themselves. East Bengal gradually gained control of possession, with Edmund Lalrindika influential in midfield and Dani Ramírez attempting to unlock the SC Delhi defence.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade came closest to scoring in the opening half when Basim Rashid’s free-kick struck the crossbar in the 16th minute. Jesin T.K. also went close moments later, seeing his effort hit the outside of the woodwork.

SC Delhi were awarded a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute when Rodriguinho was brought down inside the penalty area. The Brazilian stepped up confidently, but Gill read the direction perfectly and dived to his left to make an outstanding save.

That stop kept East Bengal level and proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with East Bengal enjoying possession while SC Delhi remained dangerous on the counter. Rodriguinho continued to cause problems, but East Bengal’s defensive unit repeatedly stood firm, with Anwar Ali making several important interventions.

East Bengal came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock again in the 73rd minute when another long-range effort from Basim Rashid took a deflection and struck the post. Two minutes later, David Lalhlansanga appeared to have found a way through, but SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

As the minutes ticked away, both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find the final touch. The final whistle confirmed that penalties would decide which team would advance to the showpiece.

East Bengal held their nerve during the shootout. Anwar Ali, Rohit Danu, Lalchungnunga and Christopher James Ikonomidis all converted their penalties, while Gill’s save from Juan Sebastian Peña gave the Kolkata side the advantage.

SC Delhi responded through Rodriguinho and Duvan Felipe Viafara Mina, while Mohammed Aimen also found the net. With the pressure at its highest, Basim Rashid stepped up for East Bengal and calmly converted the decisive penalty to send the Red-and-Gold Brigade into the final.

The victory keeps East Bengal’s hopes of lifting the prestigious Durand Cup alive. They will face either Mohun Bagan Super Giant or defending champions NorthEast United FC in Sunday’s final.

For SC Delhi, the defeat ends an impressive campaign, but their run to the last four represents a strong showing in this year’s competition.

For East Bengal, however, the job is not finished. After surviving a tense semi-final, the Red-and-Gold Brigade now have one final hurdle standing between them and the Durand Cup trophy.

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