Durand Cup 2025 semifinal: East Bengal take on Diamond Harbour; thrilling north-east derby awaits

The Durand Cup semi-final clashes will take place in Shillong and Kolkata.

The quarter-final round in the Durand Cup 2025 ended with a dramatic Kolkata Derby. East Bengal FC trounced the arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Sunday in a thrilling 2-1 win as they confirmed their place in yet another Durand Cup semi-final.

Earlier, Diamond Harbour FC and Northeast United FC also crushed their opponents in the quarters to advance to the semis. Whereas, Shillong Lajong had to toil hard in the first quarter-final to register a win as they made a comeback after conceding a goal against Indian Navy FT.

Thrillers in Kolkata and Shillong in Durand Cup

The quarter-final round started and ended with dramatic contests. The first quarter-final in Shillong saw the home team script a comeback victory against Indian Navy FT. Shillong Lajong conceded in the first half, but the team had the belief to turn things around.

The comeback began with a mind-boggling goal from Damaitphang Lyngdoh. From the extreme left of the pitch, Lyngdoh gave a long cross that ended in the goal. The comeback was later completed by the young forward Everbrightson Sana, who scored his fourth goal in the tournament.

In Kolkata, it was the Red and Gold Brigade who had the last laugh against Mohun Bagan. The crazy crowd at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan witnessed a nail-biter. East Bengal had the edge throughout the contest, but the Mariners didn’t surrender without giving a tough time.

Dimitrios Diamantakos emerged as the hero for East Bengal with his brace. He scored the opener in the 38th minute to earn a crucial lead for his team before doubling that in the 52nd minute. Mohun Bagan tried hard to restore parity, but they could score only a solitary goal courtesy of a long-range effort from Anirudh Thapa.

In the other two quarter-finals, Northeast United FC and Diamond Harbour did not face resistance as they sealed comprehensive victories. The Highlanders scored an amazing four goals, which included a brace from their star striker, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, against the hosts, Bodoland FC. Whereas the furnace in Jamshedpur hosted Diamond Harbour FC, which spoiled the party for the fans as the Red Miners succumbed with a 2-0 scoreline.

Northeastern rivals to lock horns in the Durand Cup semi-finals

The semi-final fixtures are locked. The first semi-final will be held on August 19 in Shillong as the hosts Shillong Lajong look to avenge their group-stage defeat against Northeast United.

This promises to be an exciting matchup because the two sides have had competitive encounters in the recent past.

In the second semi-final on August 20, two Bengal clubs will be determined to assert their dominance. The newly promoted I League side Diamond Harbour will have a point to prove against East Bengal.

They have already defeated a big name from Kolkata, Mohammedan SC. However, the Kibu Vicuna-led side will face a tougher challenge against the 16-time Durand Cup champions.

Semi-final fixtures

Semi-final 1, August 19: Shillong Lajong FC vs Northeast United FC, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, 7.00 PM IST

Semi-final 2, August 20: East Bengal FC vs Diamond Harbour FC, Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

Where to watch the semi-finals?

The fans can tune into the live telecast of the Durand Cup 2025 semi-finals on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD channels. This fixture will also be live-streamed on Sony Liv.

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