SC Delhi secure Durand Cup semi-final spot with 5-1 victory over Raengdai
Sporting Club Delhi advanced to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup in Ranchi after a 5-1 win against debutants FC Raengdai of Manipur. The match saw SC Delhi stage a significant comeback in the second half to secure their place in the next round of the tournament.
FC Raengdai initially took the lead in the 9th minute through a long-range strike from Chongtham Kishan Singh. His shot from approximately 20 metres dipped late, hitting the inside of the crossbar before entering the net, leaving SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes with no opportunity to save it. Despite Raengdai maintaining possession for periods, SC Delhi focused on counter-attacks.
Early in the match, in the seventh minute, Lamgoulen Semkholun delivered a cross from the right side. Juan Sebastian Pena attempted a header towards the far post, but the ball went over the crossbar. Following Raengdai’s opening goal, SC Delhi intensified their efforts to find an equaliser, launching a series of attacks. However, Raengdai’s defensive line, which included Rojen Meetei, Lanchungrei Pamei, and Amitkumar Singh, remained organised and managed to thwart SC Delhi’s attempts. Khaidem Amarjit Singh also showed an active presence for the debutant side, contributing to an end-to-end contest in the first half.
Second-Half Comeback
The second half saw SC Delhi emerge with renewed intent, and the introduction of substitute Joseph Sunny proved to be a turning point. Sunny nearly made an immediate impact in the 52nd minute after a strong run, setting up Rodriguinho. The forward’s shot appeared to be heading for the net, but Kamei Pantiga made a save to maintain Raengdai’s lead.
However, Pantiga was unable to prevent the equaliser just five minutes later. Pena executed a move before releasing Sunny, who received the ball at the edge of the box and delivered a low finish between two defenders into the bottom-left corner, levelling the score. This goal boosted SC Delhi’s confidence.
Sunny completed his brace ten minutes after his first goal. Pena was again instrumental, providing a no-look pass that allowed Sunny to make a precise run into the penalty area. Finding himself in a one-on-one situation with Pantiga, Sunny calmly finished past the goalkeeper, completing the turnaround for SC Delhi. Rodriguinho then added another goal four minutes later, demonstrating composure to navigate past two defenders while controlling the ball before slotting a left-footed shot past Pantiga, extending SC Delhi’s lead to 3-1. The final stages of the match saw an increase in goals.
Juan Sebastian Pena scored in the 90+3 minute, and Augustine Lalrochana added another goal in the 90+8 minute, sealing the 5-1 victory for SC Delhi in the quarter-final match. SC Delhi had topped Group C with three wins from three matches, with Rodriguinho being noted as one of the tournament’s leading scorers with six goals. Raengdai, in their maiden campaign, had been a surprise package, topping Group D. Forward Midul Doley had been key to their run, scoring three goals, including a hat-trick against TRAU FC.
Upcoming Semi-Final
SC Delhi is now set to face the winner of the second quarter-final. This match will be between the Indian Army Football Team and East Bengal FC. The semi-final is scheduled to take place on August 19 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
East Bengal enters their quarter-final match against the Indian Army Football Team with confidence, following a 4-1 comeback win in the AFC Champions League Two play-off. They will be aiming to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The Indian Army Football Team, known for their organisation and physicality, topped their group with a perfect nine points. East Bengal’s attacking strength, featuring Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramirez, along with Anwar Ali’s defensive presence, will be important in their upcoming fixture.
The Indian Army FT coach, Antony Ramesh, has acknowledged East Bengal’s quality but stated his team would not be intimidated by the occasion. East Bengal finished second in Group A behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with wins over CISF Protectors (8-0) and South United FC (5-0). The quarter-finals began with SC Delhi playing Raengdai at 4 pm IST, followed by East Bengal’s clash against the Indian Army at 7 pm in Kolkata.
Source: newindianexpress.com
