In one of the biggest upsets in recent Indian football history, Diamond Harbour FC defeated Kolkata giants East Bengal 2-1 in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup 2025 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. The I-League 2 champion, making its tournament debut, has now advanced to the final where it will face defending champions NorthEast United FC.
The result left the crowd of nearly 19,000 stunned, as the underdog side showed remarkable composure and resilience to overcome the tournament favourites. Diamond Harbour had already sent shockwaves through the competition with a quarterfinal victory over Jamshedpur FC, a former Indian Super League Shield winner, and proved that was no fluke.
After a goalless first half where both teams created multiple chances but failed to convert, the match burst into life in the second period. Spanish centre-back Mikel Kortazar opened the scoring in the 66th minute with a stunning overhead volley that gave East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukan Gill no chance.
East Bengal responded immediately. In the very next minute, defender Anwar Ali equalised with a powerful long-range effort that beat DHFC keeper Mirshad Michu. The equaliser briefly reignited hopes for East Bengal, who were coming off a spirited derby win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals.
But fatigue seemed to catch up with the Red and Gold brigade, and Diamond Harbour capitalised. In the 83rd minute, Jobby Justin, once an East Bengal fan favourite, scored the winner for DHFC, tapping into an open net after a mishandled cross by Gill. Justin’s goal not only broke East Bengal hearts but also served as poetic justice, coming from a player who once wore their colours.
East Bengal threw everything forward in the final moments, with Brazilian playmaker Miguel Ferreira hitting the post in the 79th minute and Dimitrios Diamantakos missing several clear-cut chances. Despite eight minutes of added time, they couldn’t find another equaliser.
Diamond Harbour’s disciplined defence and clinical finishing proved too much for East Bengal, whose wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them.
With this historic victory, Diamond Harbour FC has announced itself on the national stage. They now stand just one match away from completing a fairytale run in their maiden Durand Cup appearance. The final against NorthEast United promises to be a thrilling clash at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
