Diamond Harbour and East Bengal Square Off in Durand Cup 2025 Semi-Finals: Seasoned Veterans Clash with Newcomers
Diamond Harbour FC's Fairytale Run in the Durand Cup 2025
Diamond Harbour FC, a young football club founded in 2020, has made a remarkable debut in the Durand Cup 2025, reaching the final in their very first tournament appearance. This achievement, last matched by a team in 1929, marks a significant milestone in Indian football history.
Under the leadership of Spanish coach Kibu Vicuña, Diamond Harbour FC had a historic run, defeating established teams and three Indian Super League (ISL) sides on their way to the final. Their journey reflects not only strong talent but also exceptional discipline, hunger, unity, and a positive team culture emphasized by their coach, which collectively fueled their momentum throughout the competition.
The semifinal match saw Diamond Harbour FC overcome East Bengal, a prominent team in Indian football. Their discipline and belief were highlighted as key to securing the victory. In the final held at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 23, 2025, Diamond Harbour FC faced defending champions NorthEast United FC. Despite initially showing promise with a goal by Luka Majcen, Diamond Harbour FC were defeated decisively 6-1.
Key players mentioned include Luka Majcen, who scored the lone goal for Diamond Harbour FC in the final. While specific details on other key players have not been highlighted in the sources, the team's collective mindset and unity under coach Kibu Vicuña were cited as crucial factors in their success.
In the Durand Cup semifinal, Prabhsukhan Gill will be the goalkeeper for East Bengal, who have reached the semifinals after a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Mohun Bagan, their first senior derby win in over 18 months. East Bengal topped Group A in the Durand Cup group stage with a perfect record of nine points, having defeated South United FC 5-0, Namdhari FC 1-0, and Indian Air Force 6-1. Dimitrios Diamantakos, a striker for East Bengal, has become an instant cult hero at Salt Lake Stadium with his goal-scoring instincts. Bipin Singh and Edmund Lalrindika provide pace and directness to support Diamantakos' goal-scoring.
The semifinal match will pit East Bengal against debutants Diamond Harbour FC. The match will take place on 20 August at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. East Bengal's head coach, Oscar Bruzon, recognizes the unique challenge posed by Diamond Harbour FC's fearless approach and tournament momentum.
As the semifinal approaches, both teams are preparing to give their best, with East Bengal focusing on adapting to a different tactical challenge and Diamond Harbour FC aiming to maintain their fearless play and tournament momentum. The winner of this match will face the defending champions, NorthEast United FC, in the final.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Founded | 2020 | | Significant Achievement | Reached Durand Cup 2025 final in debut season, first team since 1929 to do so | | Head Coach | Kibu Vicuña (Spanish) | | Key Victory | Defeated East Bengal in semi-finals | | Final Result | Lost 6-1 to NorthEast United FC | | Notable Player | Luka Majcen (scored in final) | | Club Values | Talent, discipline, hunger, unity, positive team culture | | East Bengal Goalkeeper | Prabhsukhan Gill | | East Bengal Head Coach | Oscar Bruzon | | East Bengal Key Players | Dimitrios Diamantakos, Bipin Singh, Edmund Lalrindika | | Semifinal Date | 20 August 2025 | | Semifinal Venue | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan |
