SC Delhi Turn It Around In Style, Set Up East Bengal Durand Cup Semi-Final

SC Delhi produced a stunning second-half turnaround to storm into the Durand Cup semi-finals, defeating debutants FC Raengdai 5-1 in Ranchi on Sunday and earning a blockbuster clash against East Bengal.

The Manipur side appeared on course for a major upset after Chongtham Kishan Singh put Raengdai ahead in the ninth minute with a spectacular long-range strike. His effort from around 20 metres dipped late, clipped the inside of the crossbar and found the net, leaving SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes helpless.

SC Delhi responded with sustained pressure but could not break through before the interval, with Raengdai's defence standing firm.

The game changed dramatically after the restart following the introduction of substitute Joseph Sunny. After coming close to scoring in the 52nd minute, Sunny finally found the equaliser in the 57th, receiving the ball from Juan Sebastian Pena before firing a low finish through a crowded defence.

Ten minutes later, Sunny completed the turnaround. Pena once again played a key role, releasing the substitute with a perfectly weighted pass. Sunny kept his composure in a one-on-one situation and finished past goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga to put SC Delhi 2-1 ahead.

Rodriguinho then extended the advantage in the 82nd minute, beating two defenders before calmly slotting home.

SC Delhi continued their assault in stoppage time. Juan Sebastian Pena made it 4-1 in the 93rd minute after a superb run into the box, before Augustine Lalrochana completed the rout eight minutes later with a composed finish into the far corner.

Meanwhile, East Bengal booked their place in the last four with a narrow 1-0 victory over Indian Army FT in Kolkata.

The Kolkata giants controlled the contest for long periods and finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. PV Vishnu, after missing an earlier opportunity, rose highest to meet a cross from Christopher Ikonomidis and headed the ball into the right corner.

East Bengal had chances to put the game beyond doubt, with Jesin TK and Bipin Singh both coming close in the second half. Indian Army threatened late, but East Bengal held on to secure their semi-final berth.

The East Bengal vs SC Delhi semi-final will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on August 19.