Kolkata, August 16, 2026: East Bengal FC secured their place in the semi-finals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over the Indian Army Football Team at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The quarter-final lived up to its billing as a contest between professional experience and military discipline. East Bengal eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the 39th minute when P. V. Vishnu headed home from a cross delivered by Chris Economides.
The Indian Army side, which had impressed during the group stage, refused to surrender and continued to challenge East Bengal with its organised defensive structure and physical intensity. The Services side created opportunities in the second half but could not find the equaliser.
East Bengal’s defence remained composed under pressure, while goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa played an important role in preserving the narrow advantage.
The victory is particularly significant for East Bengal, who entered the knockout stage with renewed confidence after their recent success in the AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-off.
The quarter-final also underlined the growing competitiveness of the Durand Cup, where established Indian Super League clubs continue to face determined challenges from Services and emerging teams.
With the victory, East Bengal now advance to the last four, where they will face Sporting Club Delhi, who earlier defeated FC Raengdai 5–1 in the opening quarter-final.
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