East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Durand Cup Final Set as Kolkata Derby Returns to Centre Stage
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to renew one of Indian football’s biggest rivalries in the Durand Cup 2026 final after both teams came through tense, goalless semifinals decided by penalty shootouts.
The two Kolkata giants will meet at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, with the Durand Cup title at stake. For a tournament that has produced several memorable chapters in the history of the Kolkata derby, the final offers another opportunity for one side to claim both silverware and city bragging rights.
East Bengal became the first team to book its place in the final, defeating SC Delhi 5-3 on penalties after a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium. Mohun Bagan followed a day later, overcoming NorthEast United 4-3 in another shootout after neither side could find a breakthrough in Shillong.
The route to the final may have been similar, but the two semifinals unfolded differently.
East Bengal had more of the ball and more attacking moments against SC Delhi but found finishing to be their biggest problem. They repeatedly reached dangerous positions without producing the goal that their overall control appeared to deserve. Mohammed Rashid came close from a free-kick, striking the crossbar, while Jesin T.K. also hit the frame as East Bengal continued to press for an opening. The chances were there, but the finishing touch remained elusive.
SC Delhi, however, had a major opportunity to change the match when Rodriguinho won a penalty after going down under a challenge from Sandip Mandi. That was the moment East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill stepped forward. Gill saved the spot-kick to keep the scores level and ensure East Bengal remained alive in the contest. His intervention became increasingly significant as the match continued without a goal.
Rashid struck the post again in the 74th minute, underlining East Bengal’s frustration in front of goal. With the competition moving directly to penalties after 90 minutes, the semifinal was eventually decided from the spot.
East Bengal showed no nerves in the shootout. Anwar Ali, Rohit Danu, Lalchungnunga, Christopher Ikonomidis and Mohammed Rashid all converted their penalties. Gill then saved SC Delhi’s opening attempt, giving East Bengal the decisive advantage in a 5-3 shootout victory.
The win sent the 16-time Durand Cup champions into their 28th final and gave their supporters another major occasion to look forward to.
Kaith Delivers for Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan’s semifinal against NorthEast United was equally tense, though the conditions in Shillong added another layer to the contest. Neither team managed to establish complete control for long periods in the wet conditions. Mohun Bagan created opportunities through Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad, while NorthEast United grew into the game and looked increasingly dangerous after the break.
Liston’s free-kick forced an excellent save from Gurmeet Singh, while Sahal came close with an ambitious effort from distance before half-time. NorthEast United had their own chances to settle the contest in normal time. Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Macarton Nickson both came close, but the breakthrough never arrived.
As in East Bengal’s semifinal, the match went straight to penalties. The first three attempts from both teams were converted, keeping the shootout evenly balanced. Then Vishal Kaith took centre stage. The Mohun Bagan goalkeeper saved NorthEast United’s fourth penalty, taken by Robin Yadav, opening the door for Jamie Maclaren to put Mohun Bagan ahead.
Kaith was not finished.
He then denied Parthib Gogoi to secure a 4-3 shootout victory and send Mohun Bagan into the final. Just like Gill for East Bengal, Kaith emerged as the defining figure of the semifinal.
Now Comes the Kolkata Derby
The Durand Cup final will now bring together East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in a match where recent form, league standings and previous results can quickly become secondary. A Kolkata derby final carries its own pressure. For East Bengal, the opportunity is to add another Durand Cup title to a remarkable history in the competition. The club’s record of 16 titles makes it one of the tournament’s most successful teams, and a victory over Mohun Bagan in the final would make the achievement even more significant.
For Mohun Bagan, the objective is equally clear. The Mariners have reached the final after surviving a difficult semifinal and will now look to finish the campaign with silverware against their oldest rivals. Both teams have already shown that they can handle pressure.
East Bengal needed Gill’s penalty save and five successful spot kicks. Mohun Bagan required Kaith to deliver twice when the shootout reached its decisive stage.
That means the final could again be a contest of fine margins. East Bengal will hope their attackers can be more clinical after creating several chances against SC Delhi. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, will look to bring greater control to their attacking game after NorthEast United made life difficult in Shillong.
One thing is certain: the Durand Cup will end with Kolkata divided in anticipation and united in attention. After two goalless semifinals and two dramatic shootouts, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have earned their place in the final.
Now, the oldest rivalry in Indian football will decide the champion.
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