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By Ishaan Kapoor — 16 August 2026 — 3 min read

SC Delhi secured a spot in the Durand Cup semi-finals following a significant comeback victory against debutants FC Raengdai of Manipur. The match, held in Ranchi, saw SC Delhi overcome an early deficit to win 5-1.

FC Raengdai initially took the lead in the 9th minute with a long-range strike from Chongtham Kishan Singh. Despite FC Raengdai‘s early control of possession and high press, SC Delhi threatened on the counter. In the 7th minute, captain Lamgoulen Semkholun delivered a cross that Juan Sebastian Pena headed over the bar.

Chongtham Kishan Singh‘s goal came from approximately 20 metres, leaving SC Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes with no chance. Following the goal, SC Delhi intensified their attacks, but FC Raengdai‘s defensive unit, including Rojen Meetei, Lanchungrei Pamei, and Amitkumar Singh, maintained discipline. Khaidem Amarjit Singh was active for the debutants as the game became an end-to-end affair.

SC Delhi nearly equalized in the 33rd minute when Semkholun met a cross, but Rojen Meetei intervened, resulting in a corner. From the subsequent play, Lalrinliana Hnamte‘s header struck the post, keeping FC Raengdai‘s lead intact at halftime.

Second-half turnaround

The second half saw a shift in momentum for SC Delhi, largely due to the introduction of substitute Joseph Sunny. In the 52nd minute, Sunny made a brilliant run and passed to Rodriguinho, whose shot was saved by Kamei Pantiga, preserving Raengdai‘s lead.

However, just five minutes later, Pena initiated a move that allowed Sunny to collect the ball at the edge of the box and score a precise low finish, leveling the match. This equalizer boosted SC Delhi‘s confidence. Ten minutes after his first goal, Sunny scored again, converting a one-on-one opportunity after a sublime no-look pass from Pena, completing the turnaround.

Rodriguinho extended SC Delhi‘s lead to 3-1 four minutes later, skillfully navigating past two defenders before slotting a left-footed finish past Pantiga. The match concluded with a flurry of goals in stoppage time. In the third minute of added time, Pena dribbled into the box and scored with a no-look finish, making it 4-1.

Substitute Augustine Lalrochana added the final goal in the eighth minute of added time, driving into the box from the left and finishing into the far corner, sealing the emphatic 5-1 victory for SC Delhi. SC Delhi will now face the winner of the quarter-final match between the Indian Army Football Team and East Bengal FC.

Upcoming semi-final and other quarter-final fixtures

The semi-final match for SC Delhi is scheduled for August 19 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The other quarter-final fixture features East Bengal FC against the Indian Army Football Team. East Bengal enters this match with high confidence, having recently secured a 4-1 comeback win in the AFC Champions League Two play-off.

East Bengal finished second in Group A of the Durand Cup, with wins over CISF Protectors (8-0) and South United FC (5-0) after an initial loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant (0-1). Their attacking prowess, featuring players like Mohammed Rashid and Dani Ramirez, alongside the defensive presence of Anwar Ali, will be key against the Indian Army Football Team.

The Indian Army Football Team topped Group B with a perfect nine points, achieving victories against Samaleswari Sporting (1-0), Baghpat FC (4-0), and Mohammedan SC (2-1). Their coach, Antony Ramesh, has acknowledged East Bengal‘s quality but stated his team will not be intimidated. The quarter-finals began with SC Delhi playing FC Raengdai, followed by East Bengal‘s clash against the Indian Army in Kolkata.

SC Delhi had topped Group C with three wins, with Rodriguinho emerging as a leading scorer. FC Raengdai, a debutant team, surprised many by topping Group D in their maiden campaign, with Midul Doley scoring three goals, including a hat-trick against TRAU FC.

The upcoming semi-final will determine which team advances further in the Durand Cup, with SC Delhi awaiting their next opponent from the match between the Indian Army Football Team and East Bengal FC.

Source: theprint.in