Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC succumbed to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Diamond Harbour FC in the second semi-final of the Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Wednesday.

Mikel Kortazar and Joby Justin were on the scoresheet for Diamond Harbour FC, while Anwar Ali found the back of the net for the Red and Gold Brigade as Oscar Bruzon’s men were knocked out of the tournament.

East Bengal FC created a couple of chances inside the opening half with Dimitrios Diamantakos, Miguel Ferreira, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and others in the thick of things.

Ferreira got the early chance in the 15th minute but couldn’t keep his attempt on target. The Red and Gold Brigade got another chance courtesy of Anwar Ali’s long-range strike, but Diamond Harbour FC goalkeeper Mirshad Michu parried it away.

Mahesh had another chance before the halftime break, but his attempt was again denied by Michu as the first half ended goalless.

Diamantakos was on the end of a few clear-cut chances in the second half, but the Greek forward couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities as East Bengal FC kept on searching for the opener.

In the 64th minute, Diamond Harbour FC broke the deadlock against the run of play, thanks to Kortazar. However, Bruzon’s men reacted quickly as they found the equalizer within three minutes courtesy of Anwar’s screamer.

But DHFC would soon go on to reclaim their lead. Joby Justin found the back of the net against his former team in the 83rd minute, bringing Kibu Vikuna’s men ahead in the game.

Despite Miguel and Diamantakos having their chances in the dying minutes of the second half, they found it hard to beat Michu as their Durand Cup journey came to an end.

Diamond Harbour FC will take on NorthEast United FC in the final fixture on Saturday.

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