SC Delhi advances to Durand Cup semi-finals after comeback win
SC Delhi’s dramatic comeback
SC Delhi secured a spot in the Durand Cup semi-finals following a significant comeback victory against FC Raengdai of Manipur. The match, held in Ranchi, saw SC Delhi overcome an early deficit to win 5-1. This result means SC Delhi will now face the winner of the quarter-final match between Indian Army Football Team and East Bengal FC.
FC Raengdai, making their debut in the tournament, initially took the lead in the 9th minute. Chongtham Kishan Singh scored with a long-range strike from approximately 20 metres, which hit the inside of the crossbar before entering the net, leaving SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes with no opportunity to save it. Despite this early setback, SC Delhi continued to press for an equaliser, with captain Lamgoulen Semkholun delivering a cross in the seventh minute that Juan Sebastian Pena headed over the bar.
FC Raengdai‘s defensive unit, comprising Rojen Meetei, Lanchungrei Pamei, and Amitkumar Singh, maintained discipline throughout the first half, successfully thwarting SC Delhi‘s attempts. Khaidem Amarjit Singh also showed an active presence for the debutants as the game developed into an end-to-end contest. SC Delhi came close to scoring in the 33rd minute when Semkholun met a cross, but Rojen Meetei intervened defensively, leading to a corner. From the subsequent play, Lalrinliana Hnamte‘s header struck the post.
Second-half turnaround
The second half saw a shift in momentum, largely influenced by the introduction of substitute Joseph Sunny for SC Delhi. Sunny made an immediate impact, coming close to scoring in the 52nd minute after a run that set up Rodriguinho, whose shot was saved by Kamei Pantiga. However, just five minutes later, Pena‘s move allowed Sunny to collect the ball at the edge of the box and score a low finish between two defenders, levelling the score.
The equaliser boosted SC Delhi‘s confidence. Ten minutes after his first goal, Sunny scored again, completing a brace. Pena provided a no-look pass that released Sunny into the penalty area, where he calmly finished past Pantiga to put SC Delhi ahead. Rodriguinho further extended the lead four minutes later, skillfully navigating past two defenders before slotting a left-footed shot past Pantiga, making the score 3-1.
The final stages of the match saw a flurry of goals. In the third minute of stoppage time, Pena executed a dribbling run into the box and scored with a no-look finish, bringing the score to 4-1. SC Delhi added one more goal in the eighth minute of added time when substitute Augustine Lalrochana drove into the box from the left and finished into the far corner, sealing the emphatic 5-1 victory. This win propels SC Delhi into the semi-finals, scheduled for August 19 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Upcoming semi-final and other quarter-final
SC Delhi‘s next challenge will be against either the Indian Army Football Team or East Bengal FC. East Bengal enters their quarter-final clash with confidence, following a 4-1 comeback victory in the AFC Champions League Two play-off. They are set to face the Indian Army Football Team, known for their organized play and physicality, in Kolkata.
East Bengal finished second in Group A of the Durand Cup, securing emphatic wins against CISF Protectors (8-0) and South United FC (5-0) after an initial loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Their attacking strength, led by Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramirez, alongside Anwar Ali‘s defensive presence, will be crucial against the Indian Army Football Team. The Indian Army Football Team topped Group B with a perfect nine points, having defeated Samaleswari Sporting 1-0, Baghpat FC 4-0, and Mohammedan SC 2-1.
The Indian Army Football Team‘s coach, Antony Ramesh, has acknowledged East Bengal‘s quality but stated his team’s readiness for the match. The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled to begin with SC Delhi against FC Raengdai at 4 pm IST, followed by East Bengal‘s match against the Indian Army Football Team at 7 pm in Kolkata.
Source: theprint.in
