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
Indian Super League 2025-26 Title Race Intensifies as Final Matches Loom The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 has entered its final stretch, with just 12 matches remaining and the title race tightening dramatically. The league’s shortened format has eliminated the playoffs, meaning the team finishing first after the 13th Matchweek will secure the ISL title and qualify for the AFC continental stage. This shift has elevated the stakes for every remaining fixture, as teams vie for the top spot in a fiercely competitive season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant currently lead the table with 21 points from 10 matches, maintaining a comfortable cushion over their rivals. The Kolkata-based side has won six games, drawn three, and lost just once, positioning them as the clear favorites. Their remaining matches offer a path to a maximum of 30 points, even with potential slip-ups. However, their AFC competition ban means the second-place finisher will earn the continental qualification spot, adding intrigue to the title race. East Bengal FC, the reigning champions, sit second with 22 points from 11 matches, just one point behind Mohun Bagan SG. The Red & Gold Brigade’s title hopes depend on securing victories in their final two matches, which would push them to 28 points. A win against Mohun Bagan SG in the historic Kolkata Derby could shift the title dynamics, potentially awarding East Bengal the crown by a narrow margin. Despite recent setbacks, including a crucial loss to Punjab FC, East Bengal remains a formidable contender with an estimated 80% chance of success. Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC are also in the mix, though their chances are more precarious.#indian_super_league #east_bengal_fc #mohun_bagan_super_giant #kolkata_derby #afc_continentals
