East Bengal Survive Penalty Drama in Durand Cup Semifinal

East Bengal survived a major scare against SC Delhi during the first half of their Durand Cup 2026 semifinal clash in Kolkata. The match started with intense energy as both teams vied for a spot in the final of Asia's oldest football tournament. Despite SC Delhi's aggressive offensive maneuvers, the score remained level thanks to a disciplined performance by the East Bengal backline. The atmosphere at the stadium reached a fever pitch as local fans rallied behind the Red and Gold Brigade in this high-stakes encounter.

The standout moment of the match occurred when East Bengal's goalkeeper made a sensational penalty save to deny SC Delhi the opening goal. The referee awarded the spot-kick following a defensive lapse, but the keeper correctly anticipated the direction of the shot, parrying it away to safety. This pivotal save shifted the momentum back to the home side, who had been under sustained pressure for much of the opening thirty minutes. SC Delhi, who reached the semis after stunning Raengdai, looked the more likely to score before the penalty drama.

East Bengal manager utilized a strong starting lineup featuring key players Anwar and Rashid to counter SC Delhi's physical style of play. This match represents a critical opportunity for East Bengal to reclaim their dominance in Indian football after a period of rebuilding. The winner of this semifinal will face either a fellow ISL giant or a surging armed forces team in the final. For the fans in Kolkata, the Durand Cup remains a symbol of prestige, and a victory here would secure a chance at their first major silverware of the 2026-08 season.