Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling semifinal clash of the 132nd Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Emami East Bengal (EBFC) made a remarkable comeback to beat 10-man NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) 5-3 in a penalty shootout. Chennai-born winger, Nandhakumar Sekar, who had recently joined East Bengal from Odisha FC, emerged as the hero for his team.
Spanish defender Michel Zabaco opened the scoring for NEUFC in the first half, and Phalguni Singh doubled their lead early in the second half. However, East Bengal fought back with Naorem Mahesh Singh scoring in the 77th minute, thanks to a deflection by Soraisham Dinesh Singh. Nandhakumar Sekar then netted a dramatic equalizer deep into injury time.
NEUFC was reduced to 10 men in the 96th minute when Zabaco received his second booking. This numerical advantage allowed East Bengal to level the game and eventually take it to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, East Bengal converted all their attempts, with Cleiton Silva, Saul Crespo, Borja Herrera, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Nandhakumar finding the target.
For NEUFC, Ibson De Melo, Gani Ahmed, and Pragyan Gogoi scored, while Parthib Gogoi missed his chance, hitting the crossbar in his second attempt.
With this thrilling victory, East Bengal advanced to the final of the Durand Cup after a gap of 19 years. The match ended in a 2-2 draw in regular time, and East Bengal won 5-3 on penalties.