In one of the most dramatic upsets in Durand Cup history, debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) shocked Kolkata giants East Bengal 2-1 in the semi-final at Salt Lake Stadium on August 20, 2025, to book their place in the final. The I-League 2 champions, who had already eliminated Jamshedpur FC in the quarterfinals, continued their fairytale run with a disciplined and clinical performance against a star-studded East Bengal side.
The match saw a packed crowd of nearly 19,000 East Bengal supporters silenced by a resilient DHFC outfit that capitalized on key moments and held firm under pressure. Former East Bengal striker Jobby Justin scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, sealing a historic win for the newly formed club.
🧭 Match Summary: Drama, Goals, and Redemption
The semi-final clash was a tale of missed chances, defensive grit, and poetic justice. After a goalless first half, Spanish defender Mikel Kortazar opened the scoring for DHFC with a stunning bicycle kick in the 66th minute. East Bengal responded immediately through Anwar Ali’s long-range equalizer, but a costly error from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill allowed Jobby Justin to tap in the winner against his former club.
| Minute | Event Description | Team | Score Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66’ | Mikel Kortazar scores overhead volley | DHFC | 1-0 |
| 67’ | Anwar Ali equalizes with long-range strike | East Bengal | 1-1 |
| 83’ | Jobby Justin scores winner after keeper error | DHFC | 2-1 |
Despite eight minutes of added time, East Bengal failed to break through DHFC’s well-drilled defense, ending their Durand Cup campaign in heartbreak.
📊 Performance Comparison: DHFC vs East Bengal
| Metric | Diamond Harbour FC | East Bengal FC |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 42% | 58% |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 7 |
| Total Shots | 9 | 14 |
| Fouls Committed | 11 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 3 | 6 |
| Saves by Goalkeeper | 6 (Mirshad Michu) | 3 |
East Bengal dominated possession and created more chances, but DHFC’s efficiency and defensive discipline proved decisive.
🔍 Key Players and Tactical Highlights
- Mikel Kortazar (DHFC): The Spanish centre-back was a rock in defense and scored a spectacular opener.
- Anwar Ali (East Bengal): His equalizer was a moment of brilliance, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
- Jobby Justin (DHFC): The former East Bengal striker delivered the knockout blow, showcasing composure and timing.
- Mirshad Michu (DHFC): The goalkeeper made crucial saves and commanded his box with authority.
DHFC’s tactical setup focused on compact defending, quick transitions, and exploiting East Bengal’s defensive lapses. Their OPT (Optimised Performance Training) model, introduced earlier this season, seems to be paying dividends.
🧠 Emotional Fallout and Fan Reactions
The result left East Bengal fans stunned, especially after their high-octane win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals. Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, who had scored a brace in the derby, missed multiple chances and looked off-color.
| Fan Sentiment | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| East Bengal Fans | Shock, disappointment, calls for review |
| DHFC Supporters | Jubilant, proud of team’s resilience |
| Neutral Observers | Praised DHFC’s tactical maturity |
Social media erupted with praise for DHFC’s underdog story, with many calling it the “Durand Cup miracle of 2025.”
📉 East Bengal’s Missed Opportunities
East Bengal’s attacking trio—Diamantakos, Miguel Ferreira, and Mohammed Rashid—failed to convert key chances. Ferreira hit the woodwork in the 79th minute, while Rashid’s long-range efforts lacked precision.
| Player | Missed Chances | Impact on Match Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dimitrios Diamantakos | 4 | Couldn’t replicate derby form |
| Miguel Ferreira | 2 | Hit post, missed early chance |
| Mohammed Rashid | 2 | Off-target long shots |
Coach Carles Cuadrat will face tough questions about squad rotation and tactical choices ahead of the upcoming ISL season.
🧠 DHFC’s Road to the Final
Diamond Harbour FC’s journey to the final has been nothing short of inspirational. After defeating Jamshedpur FC in the quarterfinals, they showed composure and tactical discipline to overcome East Bengal.
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Multiple I-League teams | Qualified |
| Quarterfinal | Jamshedpur FC | Won |
| Semifinal | East Bengal FC | Won 2-1 |
| Final | NorthEast United FC | Scheduled |
They will now face defending champions NorthEast United FC in the final at Salt Lake Stadium on August 23.
🧠 Expert Commentary: A New Force in Indian Football?
Football analysts have hailed DHFC’s rise as a sign of changing dynamics in Indian football. Former India captain Renedy Singh said:
“Diamond Harbour FC has shown what smart scouting, tactical discipline, and belief can achieve. They are the story of the tournament.”
Sports journalist Rakesh Dutta added:
“This is not just a win—it’s a statement. DHFC has arrived, and they’re here to stay.”
Their success also highlights the growing competitiveness of I-League 2 clubs and the importance of grassroots development.
📌 Conclusion
Diamond Harbour FC’s stunning 2-1 victory over East Bengal in the Durand Cup semi-final marks a watershed moment in Indian football. From debutants to finalists, DHFC has defied expectations, silenced critics, and captured the imagination of fans across the country.
As they prepare to face NorthEast United FC in the final, the spotlight is firmly on this young, fearless team that has rewritten the script of the nation’s oldest football tournament. Whether they lift the trophy or not, Diamond Harbour FC has already won hearts—and perhaps, a permanent place in Indian football’s future.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports and official statements as of August 22, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting, investment, or coaching advice.
