Afirst-half header from PV Vishnu powered to a narrow 1-0 victory against a determined Indian Army FT side, securing their place in the semifinals of the IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Entering Sunday’s knockout clash, East Bengal deployed an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. Phurba Lachenpa featured in goal behind a defensive unit of Jay Gupta, Narender Gahlot, Lalchungnunga, and Boris Singh. Rohit Kumar partnered Mohamad Basim Rashid in midfield, creating a base for Dani Ramirez, Christopher Ikonomidis, and PV Vishnu to support central forward David Lalhlansanga.
Indian Army FT set up in a 5-3-2 structure to absorb pressure. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri started in goal behind Sunil Benchamin, Pardeep Singh, Lethaolen Khongsai, Chabin Rabha, and Shafeel PP. The midfield featured Abhishek Shankar Pawar, P Christopher Kamei, and Shubham Rana, while Samir Murmu and Saikhom Borish Singh led the attack.
East Bengal controlled possession early, with Ramirez missing a sixth-minute chance and hitting the side-netting from a 12th-minute free-kick. Indian Army goalkeeper Thakuri later denied a long-range effort from Lalchungnunga, before Vishnu missed a clear chance in the 29th minute.
Vishnu scores the winner as Indian Army FT miss late chances to equalise
East Bengal made their dominance count in the 38th minute. Christopher Ikonomidis delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Vishnu to jump above his marker and head the ball into the far right corner beyond Thakuri’s reach to establish a 1-0 lead in the Durand Cup match.
In the second half, East Bengal created further opportunities to extend their lead. Substitute Jesin TK hit the crossbar around the hour mark after beating the goalkeeper, while Indian Army substitute Abhi S. Biju responded with a low shot that drifted narrowly wide.
Although Indian Army improved considerably after half-time and created a couple of genuine openings, East Bengal remained in control for much of the contest, enjoying around 80 per cent of the overall possession.
The Red-and-Gold Brigade ultimately secured a deserved victory, although their dominance could have been reflected in a more emphatic scoreline had they converted the numerous clear-cut opportunities they created.