East Bengal Advances to Durand Cup 2026 Final with Penalty Shootout Victory Over SC Delhi East Bengal secured a hard-fought 5-3 penalty shootout victory against Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) in the Durand Cup 2026 semifinal at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, booking a place in the final. The match, which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, saw East Bengal’s resilience and clinical finishing in the shootout clinch the crucial win. The result sets up a final showdown against either Mohun Bagan Super Giant or defending champions NorthEast United. The encounter began with both teams showcasing strong defensive organization. SC Delhi, led by goalkeeper Nora Fernandes, frustrated East Bengal’s attacking efforts for much of the game, managing to thwart the hosts’ forwards repeatedly. East Bengal, however, created several chances, with Rashid and Jesin denied by the frame of the goal on multiple occasions. SC Delhi’s own opportunities were limited, though Rodriguinho’s penalty in the first half was saved by Gill, a moment that proved pivotal in the eventual penalty shootout. The match entered extra time with neither side able to break the deadlock. SC Delhi’s efforts to hold out were commendable, but East Bengal’s determination and composure in the shootout proved decisive. The penalty sequence saw SC Delhi’s Pena miss his first spot-kick, while Rodriguinho scored his second attempt. Duvan and Aimen added to SC Delhi’s tally, but East Bengal’s Anwar Ali, Danu, Chungnunga, Ikonomidis, and Rashid sealed the win with clinical finishes. Rashid’s final penalty, a cool strike into the top left corner, sent the Red and Gold camp into celebration. Antonio Habas, East Bengal’s head coach, will be relieved but likely critical of his team’s finishing in the 90 minutes.#east_bengal #sporting_club_delhi #salt_lake_stadium #mohun_bagan_super_giant #durand_cup_2026
