Kolkata, August 16: East Bengal FC moved to the Durand Cup 2026 semi-final. After a breathless finish in the quarter-final against Indian Army FT, East Bengal FC secured a 1–0 win at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. And now, in the semi-final, SC Delhi are waiting for the Red and Gold Brigade.

The match had everything except more goals, as it was decided by only one goal. Coming into the match with a perfect group-stage all win record, Indian Army FT played with a desperate and determined footballing display, while making nine changes in the starting XI the Red and Gold delivered what could led them forward. Within the 8th minute of the match, Abhishek Pawar attempted a long shot, though Lachenpa was alert.

In the 21st minute, Lalchungnunga attempted a long shot, but this time too, Army FC goalkeeper Malla Thakuri was alert to make the save. In the 39th minute, the breakthrough arrived. Chris Ikonomidis sent a cross from the left, which PV Vishnu converted to give East Bengal FC a 1–0 lead, a goal that proved decisive until the end.

At half-time, Bipin Singh came on to replace the only scorer, PV Vishnu. After scoring, Vishnu felt an injury and had to come off, making the change a forced one while also bringing some fresh legs into the team.

In the 64th minute of the match, Abhi S created a chance for the Army side, but his powerful attempt from the right side of the box went into the side netting.

Within 10 minutes of the incident, another situation occurred on the field. In a goal-bound move from Indian Army FT, Liton Shil attempted to meet a cross from the left. At that moment, Lachenpa came off his line and collided with Liton. Both players fell to the ground, but while Lachenpa was able to get back up, Liton Shil had to be taken off on a stretcher.

In the 79th minute, East Bengal FC wasted a promising chance. Bipin Singh sent a grounded cross from the right, and Jesin TK just had to meet the ball, but he failed to make contact. In the next minute, the duo again wasted a goal-bound chance, with Jesin TK’s pass finding Bipin, who this time missed the target.

The game moved into stoppage time, and at the start of it, the Army side almost found their equaliser. At the edge of the box, Abhishek Pawar snatched the ball from Sandip Mandi and unleashed a shot, but it went inches over the crossbar.

The match had not seen the end of the drama, as the most controversial and highlighted moment came in the 90+2nd minute when a penalty situation occurred. From a goal-bound move, Deepak Singh made a run into the box from the left, and at that moment, Lachenpa came off his line and stopped him. The challenge appeared to have led to a possible penalty, but the referee allowed play to continue.

However, the match ended in favour of East Bengal FC. When asked about the penalty decision, the head coach of Indian Army FT said that he was too close to the incident to determine whether it was a penalty or not. However, he admitted that even if there was proof, nothing could be done now as the match had already ended.

On the other hand, Antonio Habas explained that it was not a penalty as per his thought the incident happened outside the box. The AFC Champions League Two qualifying winner also stressed the short gap between the games they have had to play, with the semi-final just around the corner.