Prabhusukhan Gill’s Heroics Send East Bengal into Durand Cup Final
A day after Vishal Kaith’s heroics helped Mohun Bagan reach the semi-finals, Prabhusukhan Gill emerged as East Bengal’s saviour. The goalkeeper made two crucial penalty saves—one during regulation time and another in the shootout—to guide East Bengal into the Durand Cup final.
XtraTime Web Desk
A day after Vishal Kaith’s heroics helped Mohun Bagan reach the semi-finals, Prabhusukhan Gill emerged as East Bengal’s saviour. The goalkeeper made two crucial penalty saves—one during regulation time and another in the shootout—to guide East Bengal into the Durand Cup final.
East Bengal defeated Sporting Delhi 5-3 on penalties after the match ended goalless in 90 minutes. The Red and Gold brigade will now play the final on Sunday.
Sporting Delhi had one clear objective: with no extra time, they wanted to take the match to a penalty shootout. Delhi coach adopted a defensive approach, playing with only Rodrigo as the main attacking outlet. Their plan worked for long periods, especially against an unorganised East Bengal side. However, Gill eventually ended their hopes.
He first denied Delhi’s star striker Rodrigo from the penalty spot during regulation time and later saved Sebastian Pena’s effort in the shootout, becoming the undisputed hero.
East Bengal dominated the first half and created several chances. Jason Tchik’s cross narrowly evaded Bipin Singh, while Rashid Khan’s superb free-kick struck the crossbar. Tchik also hit the woodwork with a powerful effort. Rodrigo had Delhi’s best opportunity from open play but failed to find the target.
Against the run of play, Delhi won a penalty in the 33rd minute after Sandeep Mandi committed a foul inside the box. Rodrigo stepped up, but Gill dived sharply to his right and made an excellent save.
East Bengal continued to attack mainly from the left, with Hardik and Bipin less effective on the right. Delhi improved after the break, with Sebastian Pena causing problems for the East Bengal defence. Anwar Ali also made a timely tackle to stop Rodrigo.
As the match progressed, East Bengal increased the pressure. Rashid’s 25-yard strike crashed against the post, while David wasted a golden opportunity from close range by shooting straight at the goalkeeper.
With no goals after 90 minutes, the match went straight to a shootout. Anwar, Danu, Nunga, Ekonomidouis and Rashid all converted for East Bengal. Pena stepped up first for Delhi, but Gill produced another brilliant save to seal East Bengal’s place in Sunday’s Durand Cup final.