East Bengal FC edge past SC Delhi 5-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to reach the Durand Cup 2026 final, powered by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill’s heroics.
Introduction:
East Bengal FC booked their spot in the final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Sporting Club Delhi following a goalless stalemate in regulation time at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. In a fiercely contested semi-final clash, goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced a goalkeeping clinic to steer the Kolkata giants into another major tournament final. See also:Â Youssef and Bipin Secure Crucial 3-0 ISL Win for East Bengal
High-Stakes Clash at Salt Lake Stadium
Playing in front of an electric home crowd, East Bengal aimed to assert their dominance from the opening whistle. However, tournament surprise package Sporting Club Delhi remained remarkably disciplined, soaking up initial pressure and threatening on swift counter-attacks. The Red and Gold Brigade pushed forward through clever link-up play in midfield, but the opening half turned into a tense tactical battle.
Gill’s Heroics in Regulation Time
The pivotal moment of regulation time arrived in the 34th minute when Sporting Club Delhi were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the 18-yard box. Star forward Rodriguinho stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill anticipated brilliantly, diving low to his left to parry the shot away and keep the scoreline level.
East Bengal pressed with heightened urgency in the second period, coming agonizingly close on multiple occasions. Mohamad Basim Rashid and the East Bengal forwards struck the woodwork three times across ninety minutes, but SC Delhi’s resolute defense and goalkeeper held firm to drag the semi-final into a high-stakes penalty shootout.
Nerves of Steel in the Shootout
In the penalty shootout, East Bengal displayed supreme composure from twelve yards. Defender Anwar Ali set the standard by dispatching the opening spot-kick with authority. Gill then delivered once again, diving decisively to deny SC Delhi midfielder Juan Sebastian Peña’s strike.
Rohit Danu, alongside his teammates, converted their subsequent attempts with flawless precision. When captain Mohamad Basim Rashid stepped up for the fifth penalty, he calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, smashing the ball home to seal a 5-3 shootout triumph and spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Marching Toward Durand Cup Glory
The victory sends East Bengal into the 135th Durand Cup final, keeping their dreams of lifting the historic silverware firmly alive. After overcoming stubborn resistance and testing conditions, the Torchbearers will carry immense momentum and belief into the title showdown.