East Bengal beat Sporting Club Delhi on penalties to reach Durand Cup 2026 final
East Bengal defeated Sporting Club Delhi 5-3 on penalties at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in the first Durand Cup 2026 semifinal on August 19, 2026, after a goalless 90 minutes. Mohammed Basim Rashid scored the decisive spot-kick by banging the ball into the top left corner while Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced multiple crucial saves across the match and shootout.
The match finished 0-0 after regulation time as both sides failed to break the deadlock, with Sporting Club Delhi’s Rodriguinho having a first-half penalty saved. Antonio Habas will be relieved by his side’s progression, though the report noted he is likely to have strong words over missed chances. East Bengal advanced to the Durand Cup 2026 final, which is scheduled for August 23, 2026, at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.
SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora made several important saves as East Bengal increased pressure, including a decisive intervention in added time, and was booked during the shootout. Defender Manoj delivered a consistently strong defensive display, dealing with East Bengal’s attacking moments and maintaining concentration throughout. Captain Gogou had a mixed start — conceding a free-kick and receiving a yellow card — but grew into the contest, producing an excellent clearance to halt an East Bengal counter and helping create an opportunity at the other end.
Rodriguinho was SC Delhi’s most dangerous attacking outlet, winning a penalty but failing to convert from the spot before later scoring in the shootout. Duvan’s defensive influence grew as the match progressed; he helped the backline keep a clean sheet over 90 minutes and converted his penalty in the shootout. Juan Sebastian Peña, rated 7/10, competed strongly in duels and showed physicality in midfield but saw his penalty saved in the shootout.
Prabhsukhan Singh Gill was rated 9/10 after a composed display in goal: he saved a first-half penalty, denied Rodriguinho during the match, and saved the first shot of SC Delhi in the shootout, including a stop from Peña. Full-back Hardik Bhatt maintained his positioning and avoided major errors. Centre-back Anwar Ali managed his defensive responsibilities, chose his moments to support attacks, scored his penalty in the shootout and, according to the report, was also responsible for the penalty in the match though SC Delhi were unable to score from the spot.
Mohammed Basim Rashid received an 8/10 rating for his influence in midfield, his repeated threats on goal and for converting the decisive penalty after being denied twice by the frame during play. Jeakson Singh Thounaojam was given 6.5/10 for his pace and structural contribution but limited creative impact. Daniel Ramirez Fernandez was rated 6.5/10, involved in creating a few chances before being substituted by Asif Khan; Edmund made forward runs on the flank before being replaced by Chris Ikonomidis.
Chris Ikonomidis was described as not fully match-fit but provided a good assist that David was unable to convert; Ikonomidis also scored in the shootout but missed an easy chance after coming on. Bipin Singh was rated 6/10 after missing a sitter from a Jesin TK pass and was later replaced by Rohit Danu, who came on in the second half, shared midfield duties with Asif Khan and also scored in the penalty shootout. Lalchungnunga also converted a shootout penalty, while substitute Aimen, who replaced Joseph in the 70th minute, brought energy and converted his spot-kick.
East Bengal will meet their opponent in the Durand Cup 2026 final on August 23, 2026, at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.
