East Bengal’s defensive resilience will be tested by SC Delhi’s free-flowing attack when the two sides clash in the first semifinal of the Durand Cup on Wednesday, with the 16-time champions starting as favourites in front of their home crowd. The other semifinal will see East Bengal’s arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Northeast United FC in Shillong on Thursday, with a potential summit clash between the Kolkata giants — and a repeat of the 2023 final — in sight. Mohun Bagan had beaten East Bengal 1-0 in that final. East Bengal have scored 14 goals and conceded just once in the tournament, that solitary goal coming in their 0-1 defeat to Mohun Bagan in the opening game of Group A.
The Delhi side’s attacking threat is led by Brazilian forward Rodriguinho, who has scored seven goals, including a five-goal haul against Defenders FC. He also scored in the quarterfinal comeback against Raengdai and has emerged as one of the tournament’s most dangerous attackers. “We still regret missing out on the Durand Cup final last season. The team’s numbers suggest their attack is not dependent solely on Rodriguinho, with their ability to create pressure from multiple areas complemented by a defence that has conceded just three goals.
SC Delhi on the other hand have been the competition’s most prolific side, scoring 21 goals in four matches and conceding only three.
However, it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to go a step further and win our first title of the season,” Rashid said.
