P.V. Vishnu Header Sends East Bengal FC into Durand Cup Semi-finals

by Chandler D'silva August 18, 2026

East Bengal FC booked their place in the semi-finals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Indian Army Football Team at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, August 16. P.V. Vishnu’s first-half header proved decisive as the Red-and-Gold Brigade survived a late push from the Services side to move one step closer to the coveted trophy.

East Bengal dominated the contest from the opening whistle, controlling possession and keeping Indian Army pinned inside their own half. Dani Ramirez was at the centre of much of the attacking play and came close to breaking the deadlock early on.

The Spanish playmaker nearly found the target from a free-kick in the 12th minute, curling an effort just past the post. He then turned provider as East Bengal continued to create openings, while Lalchungnunga also tested Army goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri with a powerful effort from distance.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 38th minute. Christopher Ikonomidis delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Vishnu rose highest to meet it with a perfectly timed header. Thakuri managed to get fingertips to the effort but could not prevent it from finding the corner as East Bengal deservedly took the lead.

Indian Army struggled to create sustained attacking moves during the opening half, with East Bengal’s possession and pressing preventing them from building momentum. The Kolkata giants entered the interval with a narrow but deserved advantage.

The Services side returned from the break with greater attacking intent and began finding more opportunities. East Bengal, however, remained dangerous on the counter and almost doubled their lead around the hour mark when substitute Jesin T.K. intercepted a loose ball and raced towards goal. His attempted finish beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the crossbar.

Indian Army then produced one of their best chances of the evening when substitute Abhi S. Biju unleashed a powerful low effort that narrowly missed the target.

East Bengal continued to threaten at the other end, with Ramirez going close after being picked out inside the box. The Red-and-Gold Brigade increasingly looked to exploit the spaces left behind by the Army defence as the game entered its final stages.

The closing minutes saw East Bengal miss several opportunities to put the contest beyond doubt. Jesin T.K. was twice involved in promising one-on-one situations, first failing to convert after being played through by Bipin Singh before returning the favour and setting up the winger, who also could not find the finish.

Jesin came close again in the 87th minute, meeting a cross from Edmund Lalrindika with a header that went straight at Thakuri.

Despite their missed opportunities, East Bengal’s defence remained composed and dealt with Indian Army’s late pressure. The Services side came closest to an equaliser in stoppage time when Abhishek Shankar Pawar unleashed a dangerous effort, but East Bengal managed to see out the remaining minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for East Bengal, who dominated possession at around 80 per cent and controlled large portions of the encounter.

While the scoreline remained narrow, the performance underlined East Bengal’s control and defensive discipline. The Red-and-Gold Brigade now advance to the Durand Cup semi-finals, keeping their hopes of lifting the prestigious trophy alive.

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