Durand Cup 2025 HIGHLIGHTS, Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC semis: DHFC in final with 2-1 win
Despite having lesser possession, Diamond Harbour go through to the final as they were the clinical side on the night.
 "Durand Cup 2025 semis")
Durand Cup 2025 semis
Diamond Harbour FC scripted a stunning comeback against East Bengal FC in the Durand Cup 2025 semi-final, clinching a dramatic 2–1 win at the Salt Lake Stadium to secure their spot in the final.
Early Struggle, Frustrated by Finishing
The first half ended goalless despite East Bengal’s early territorial dominance. Naorem Mahesh Singh and Bipin Singh combined well on the left flank, but striker Dimitrios Diamantakos couldn’t capitalize, missing a header from close range. Diamond Harbour gradually found their rhythm, with Samuel’s powerful effort crashing off the crossbar in the 23rd minute. Justin also squandered multiple opportunities in the box following a precise cross from Samuel.
Second Half Drama Unfolds
The game burst into life after halftime. In the 65th minute, a free-kick delivered into the box fell to Mikel, who executed a sublime bicycle finish to break the deadlock. But East Bengal were quick to respond—Anwar Ali smashed in a long-range rocket just a minute later to level the match.
As tension built, East Bengal nearly took the lead when Miguel curled in a stunner that rattled the woodwork in the 77th minute.
Late Heroics and Heartbreak
Diamond Harbour’s substitute Justin became the hero in the closing stages, poking home the winner in the 83rd minute amid chaotic scenes in the penalty area. Their goalkeeper pulled off a superb stop in the 87th minute when East Bengal threatened once more. The drama extended into eight minutes of stoppage time, but East Bengal couldn't find the reopening goal.
Final Take
Diamond Harbour’s resilience and sharp counter-attacking proved decisive, as they stunned the home side and dispatched East Bengal 2–1. They now await defending champions NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final on August 23.
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC Durand Cup 2025 Starting 11:
Diamond Harbour FC starting 11: Susnata Malik (GK), Ajith Kumar, Mikel Kortazar, Naresh Singh, Melroy Assisi, Clayton, Lalliansanga, Paul Ramfangzauva, Girik Khosla, Luka Majcen, Joby Justin
East Bengal FC starting 11: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK), Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga, Kevin Sibille, Mohamad Rakip, Miguel Figueira, Naorem Mahesh, Edmund Lalrindika, Saul Crespo, Bipin Singh, Hamid Ahadad
9:00 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Diamond Harbour into the final!
East Bengal FC are stunned in front of their home crowd as Diamond Harbour are through to the final with a 2-1 thrilling win in the semi-final. They will now meet NorthEast United in the final on 23rd August
8:56 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Majcen goal ruled out!
Luka Majcen's goal ruled out for offside as the drama continues late in the tie.
8:50 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: 8 minutes added!
8 minutes of stoppage time left for Bengal to come up with an equaliser on the night. Can they get that goal in front of the home crowd.
8:48 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Superb save by keeper!
The Diamond Harbour produces a brilliant save to deny the equaliser in the 87th minute with the ball flying into the top corner.
8:43 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Justin with the winner!
Justin gets the probable winner for Diamond Harbour in the 83rd minute as the chaos inside the box results in Justin poking the ball into the roof of the net.
8:42 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Miguel hits the crossbar!
Miguel's curling shot from outside of the box hits the crossbar in the 77th minute as there is still nothing to separate the sides with 8 minutes of regulation time left.
8:28 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: 2 goals in 2 minutes!
Anwar Ali makes it 1-1 in a jiffy as his banger from way outside the penalty area gets the equaliser right after conceding the goal. Game on at Salt Lake Stadium
8:27 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Mikel gets the breakthrough!
A bicycle finish by Mikel in the 65th minute to put Diamond Harbour ahead in the 2nd half. The freekick as headed high by the defenders as it fell in the path of Mikel who finished it in style. Goalkeeper afraid to commit to the ball as he concedes a goal.
8:21 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Triple change for Diamond Harbour!
Diamond Harbour make three changes with Angou, Girik and Hali in for the side at the hour mark.
8:17 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Bipin this time!
Bipin with a shot from close range that is deflected above the goal. A string of chances for Bengal now as they look close to getting the breakthrough.
8:15 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Diamantakos misses a sitter!
Diamantakos misses his header from 6 yards out as he puts it wide of the goal from a corner in the 55th minute.. The crowd was visibly frustrated by the missed opportunity.
8:10 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Energetic start to the half!
A more lively start to the 2nd half as Diamond Hardbour on the attack again and get multiple chances but their shot is blocked by the defence. On the other hand Diamantakos got a great chance as he was 1v1 with the goalkeeper from the left flank but shot the ball on the wrong side of the net eventually.
8:05 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: 2nd half begins!
East Bengal make two changes at half-time as Provat and Jeakson come on for the Red and Gold brigade. The 2nd half kicks off on the night.
7:49 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Half-time!
Nothing to separate the sides as both sets of players go into half-time with the score still 0-0. Good chances for both sides but neither of the team has been clinical with their chances so far.
7:47 PM
Diamond Harbour FC vs East Bengal FC LIVE SCORE UPDATES: 2 minutes added!
Final minute of added time now on as a brilliant attack by East Bengal is saved by the collective effort of the keeper and the defence.
Topics : Football News Indian football
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First Published: Aug 20 2025 | 5:59 PM IST
