– Mikel Kortazar scored a stunning back-volley goal for DHFC in the 66th minute.
– Anwar Ali scored an equalizer within a minute for East Bengal but failed to maintain momentum.
– Jobby Justin’s decisive goal from close range gave DHFC their winning lead.
!Diamond Harbour FC and East Bengal in action in the Durand cup semi-final
diamond Harbour FC’s historic victory is not just a exhibition of resilience but also underscores how emerging clubs can create space for themselves in India’s football ecosystem beyond conventional powerhouses like ISL teams. this result could possibly rejuvenate interest in grassroots-level sports development and smaller clubs’ contributions to India’s football landscape. Additionally, coach Vicuna’s tactical brilliance further solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most impactful international coaches.
For Indian football at large, this match exemplifies why tournaments such as the Durand Cup remain essential-thay provide emerging teams opportunities to challenge legacy giants on significant platforms. Moving forward, it will be important to watch if DHFC can sustain this momentum when up against established clubs like NorthEast United while maintaining institutional growth amidst competition.