The second semi-final of the 134th edition of the Durand Cup 2025 features a compelling clash between East Bengal FC and Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. East Bengal, buoyed by their recent Kolkata Derby triumph, aims to continue their dominant run, while debutants Diamond Harbour FC seek to extend their fairytale journey in the competition.
East Bengal's Road to the Semis
East Bengal has showcased impressive form throughout the tournament, topping Group A with a perfect record. They began their campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over South United FC, followed by a 1-0 win against Namdhari FC and a 6-1 dismantling of Indian Air Force FT. Their quarter-final match against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) was a hard-fought affair, with East Bengal emerging victorious 2-1. Dimitrios Diamantakos, who came on as an early substitute, scored both goals for the Red and Gold brigade. East Bengal has scored the maximum goals (14) in the tournament so far, while conceding just 2. Nine different players have found the net for East Bengal, highlighting their squad depth.
Diamond Harbour FC's Remarkable Journey
Diamond Harbour FC, making their Durand Cup debut, has been a surprise package, advancing to the semi-finals as one of the best second-placed teams from Group B. They started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club, Luka Majcen scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time. This was followed by a commanding 8-1 win against Border Security Force FT. Despite a 5-1 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, their healthy goal difference ensured their progression. In the quarter-finals, DHFC stunned Jamshedpur FC 2-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, with Sairuat Kima netting a brace.
Head-to-Head and Key Players
This will be the first competitive meeting between East Bengal and Diamond Harbour FC in the Durand Cup. East Bengal will rely on their experienced core, including goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, defender Kevin Sibille, midfielder Miguel Figueira, and in-form forward Dimitrios Diamantakos. Diamond Harbour FC, coached by Kibu Vicuna, will look to their strikers Luka Majcen and Clayton Silva to trouble East Bengal's defense.
Match Details
The semi-final clash will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.
The winner of this match will face NorthEast United FC in the final on August 23. NorthEast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 in the first semi-final. NorthEast United are the reigning Durand Cup champions.
The Durand Cup, which has been running since 1888, is the world's third-oldest Cup football competition and the oldest in Asia. The 134th edition of the tournament started on July 23 and will conclude on August 23. Mohun Bagan Super Giant has the most titles (17), followed by East Bengal (16).
