Durand Cup: SC Delhi turns the tables on Raengdai, meets East Bengal
East Bengal FC and Sporting Club Delhi have advanced to the semifinals of the 135th Durand Cup after winning their respective quarterfinal matches. East Bengal defeated the Indian Army FT, while SC Delhi staged a second-half comeback to beat FC Raengdai.
Why it matters
The Durand Cup is one of India's oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, serving as a key indicator of club form ahead of the domestic league season.
Former champion East Bengal FC edged past Indian Army FT 1-0 in the second quarterfinal of the 135th Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.
The Kolkata outfit will face Sporting Club Delhi in the semifinal at the same venue on Wednesday. The latter had defeated FC Raengdai 5-1 in the first last-eight clash.
P.V. Vishnu scored in the 39th minute, heading home a well-delivered cross from Christopher Ikonomidis to give East Bengal the lead.
The host dominated the first half and created several chances, but Army goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri made a series of impressive saves.
East Bengal, which recently qualified for AFC Champions League Two, struggled to convert its opportunities after the break. However, its defence held firm.
At the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, SC Delhi produced a remarkable second-half comeback and netted five goals to turn the tables on debutant Raengdai.
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