⚽ Durand Cup 2025 – Semifinal 2 Highlights

Diamond Harbour FC 2 – 1 East Bengal FC
📍 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

Diamond Harbour FC created history on Wednesday evening by storming into their first-ever Durand Cup final, defeating East Bengal FC 2–1 in a gripping semifinal. Goals from Mikel Kortazar and Jobby Justin sealed the upset, cancelling out Anwar Ali’s thunderous equaliser and sending the newcomers into the 134th Durand Cup final.

🔥 First Half: Balanced but Goalless

The match started at a high tempo, with both teams testing each other’s defensive resolve.

East Bengal Chances: Dimitrios Diamantakos was lively upfront, constantly probing, while Mahesh Singh came closest to scoring with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar deep into stoppage time.

Despite the flurry of chances, the scoreboard stayed 0–0 at halftime.

🔥 Second Half: Drama Unfolds

East Bengal emerged the stronger side after the break, pressing hard and keeping DHFC pinned in their half. However, repeated misses from Diamantakos left the Red & Gold Brigade frustrated.

62′ – Mikel Kortazar (DHFC): Against the run of play, the Spanish midfielder produced a moment of magic. Meeting a looping free-kick inside the box, he executed a breathtaking back-volley, stunning the crowd and giving DHFC a 1–0 lead.

64′ – Anwar Ali (EBFC): East Bengal’s response was immediate. The Indian international centre-back unleashed a 40-yard screamer, a strike of sheer power and precision that flew past goalkeeper Mirshad into the top corner. The stadium erupted as EBFC were back on level terms.

82′ – Jobby Justin (DHFC): With the game hanging in the balance, substitute Angousana delivered a dangerous corner. A scramble ensued in the East Bengal penalty area, and Jobby Justin pounced at the right moment to smash home the decisive goal.

🔥 Final Moments: East Bengal’s Late Push

The last 10 minutes saw wave after wave of East Bengal attacks. Mahesh, Miguel, Rashid and even Anwar surged forward in search of another equaliser. But DHFC’s defence,stood rock solid, heading clear every cross and blocking every attempt.