SC Delhi Cruise into Durand Cup Semi-finals After Stunning Comeback Against FC Raengdai

by Chandler D'silva August 18, 2026

SC Delhi produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat debutants FC Raengdai 6-1 in the first quarter-final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Sunday. After falling behind to a spectacular Chongtham Kishan Singh strike, SC Delhi completely turned the contest around after the break to book their place in the semi-finals.

FC Raengdai started brightly and showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion. The debutants controlled possession and pressed high, and their positive approach was rewarded in the ninth minute when Chongtham Kishan Singh unleashed a stunning effort from around 20 metres. His powerful strike dipped late, crashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net to give Raengdai a 1-0 lead.

SC Delhi responded with attacking intent and created several opportunities, but Raengdai’s organised defence continued to frustrate their opponents. Juan Sebastian Peña came close with a header, while Lalrinliana Hnamte saw an effort strike the post as SC Delhi searched desperately for an equaliser.

Raengdai also remained dangerous on the counter, with Midul Doley and Khaidem Amarjit Singh causing problems for the SC Delhi backline. Despite the attacking exchanges, neither side could find another goal before halftime, leaving the debutants with a narrow advantage.

The complexion of the match changed dramatically after the restart. SC Delhi introduced Joseph Sunny, and the substitute immediately injected fresh energy into their attack.

The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute. After Peña created space and released Sunny, the substitute collected the ball on the edge of the box before firing a precise low finish through a crowded defence and into the bottom corner.

Sunny struck again ten minutes later to complete the turnaround. This time, Peña produced a superb no-look pass to send him through inside the penalty area. With only goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga to beat, Sunny remained composed and calmly finished to put SC Delhi 2-1 ahead.

Raengdai attempted to fight back, but SC Delhi had seized control of the contest. Rodriguinho came close before finally getting his reward in the 82nd minute, showing excellent composure to work past two defenders and slot a left-footed finish beyond Pantiga.

The closing stages turned into a one-sided affair. Peña added a fourth in stoppage time after a brilliant individual run into the box, before substitute Augustine Lalrochana completed the scoring deep into added time with a composed finish into the far corner.

The emphatic comeback sees SC Delhi advance to the semi-finals, continuing what has been an outstanding Durand Cup campaign. They will face the winner of the quarter-final between Indian Army Football Team and East Bengal FC on August 19 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

For FC Raengdai, the defeat brings an end to a memorable maiden Durand Cup campaign. The debutants had already exceeded expectations by reaching the quarter-finals and can look back with pride on their historic run.

The tournament also continued its initiative to recognise emerging talent, with one standout player from each group receiving the Emerging Player Award and a ₹1 lakh cash prize. Samuel K. Vanlalpeka and Naorem Somananda Singh of the Indian Air Force Football Team were recognised as the Emerging Players from Group C for their performances during the group stage.

SC Delhi, meanwhile, march on with confidence and momentum, having shown that they possess both the resilience and attacking quality required to challenge for the Durand Cup crown.

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