Eyeing a record-equalling 17th title, East Bengal will face the winners of Thursday’s second semifinal between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and defending champions NorthEast United FC in Sunday’s summit clash at the Salt Lake Stadium. East Bengal held their nerve in a penalty shootout to beat a resolute SC Delhi 5-3 after a goalless regulation-time stalemate and reach the Durand Cup final on Wednesday. A potential Kolkata derby final would be a repeat of the 2023 title clash, which Mohun Bagan had won.
East Bengal Triumphs in Shootout Against SC Delhi
In a thrilling semifinal shootout, East Bengal secured a 5-3 victory over SC Delhi. Captain Mohammed Rashid, who had a challenging match in regulation time, made his mark by scoring the decisive penalty kick.
Anwar Ali initiated the shootout with a successful penalty, placing it past SC Delhi’s goalkeeper Nora Fernandes. Rohit Danu followed with a powerful strike, and Lalchungnunga then found the top-right corner, giving East Bengal a 3-1 lead in the shootout.
Rashid’s clean finish capped off the shootout, sealing East Bengal’s advancement to the final. SC Delhi put up a strong defense and managed to hold off East Bengal during six minutes of added time, pushing the match into penalties.
Knockout matches that end in a draw after regulation 90 minutes skip extra-time and head directly into a penalty shootout to decide the winner, according to the tournament rules of the Durand Cup.
