New Delhi: Dimitrios Diamantakos scored twice as East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the Kolkata Derby in Kolkata on Sunday to advance to the Durand Cup semifinals.
Diamantakos entered the pitch as as an 18th-minute substitute for injured Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
The Greek striker converted a penalty in the 38th minute, earned by Bipin Singh before his shot doubled EB’s lead in the 52nd minute.
Anirudh Thapa gave ISL champions Bagan hope with a stunning long-range strike in the 68th minute but they couldn’t make further inroads despite applying pressure.
It was East Bengal’s first top-level Derby win over Bagan in 18 months as the 16-time champions will now face surprise packages Diamond Harbour FC in the semi-finals.
Diamond Harbour shock Jamshedpur
Meanwhile, debutants Diamond Harbour knocked out hosts Jamshedpur FC 2-0 to zoom into the smei-finals in an earlier match on Sunday.
At the JRD Tata Sports Complex, defender Sairuatkima turned out to be DHFC’s hero as his first half brace (3rd and 41st minutes) was enough for them to enter the last four on their maiden appearance.
JFC were manned by interim coach Steven Dias, as Khalid Jamil left mid-tournament to become the India manager. They were denied much openings as the DHFC backline were valiant in their efforts.
An early goal helped them settle in as a long throw unpicked the JFC defence as an unmarked Ruatkima slottled in from inside six yards.
JFC took time to gather their bearings and just they were about to pick up pace they conceded a second goal just before the break that left them reeling.
A deflected cross Samuel Lalmuanpuia was well-timed into goal by Ruatkima as DHFC went into half-time with a healthy lead.
DHFC couls have added to the scoreline had Luka Majcen and Jobby Justin utilised the chances that came their way. JFC could only mister speculative long range strikes from Rei Tachikawa and Jayesh Rane that sailed well over the target.
JFC put pressure but DHFC keeper Mirshad held form, diving low to deny Sanan and then blocking VP Suhair’s volley with a double stop.
DHFC soaked up the pressure and threatened on the counter through Hali Charan Narzary and Majcen, which ensured that JFC were kept busy in their half.