Bengaluru FC and Delhi FC are the two teams who would be playing in the quarterfinals of Durand Cup 2021. The former snatched a stunning comeback win against the Indian Navy. While the latter pulled off a narrow win against Kerala Blasters.
Leon Augustine, Harmanpreet Singh, Ajay Chhetri and Thoi Singh were the goalscorers for the Blues reserve side. Whereas Williz Plaza was the only goalscorer for Delhi FC in a huge upset against Blasters.
The quarterfinals are lined up and Bengaluru FC will next face Army Green in their next match. While Delhi FC faces another Indian Super League side FC Goa.
Bengaluru FC win big and Delhi FC break Blasters’ hearts to progress into the quarters of Durand Cup 2021
It was an eventful matchday in the Durand Cup as Bengaluru came from behind to register a 5-2 win against the Indian Navy. Navy started the match in a brilliant manner and were ahead by two goals in the first half. Jijo and Shreyas V were the goalscorers for them and it looked like Kerala Blasters and Navy would be going through as Delhi were deadlocked against Blasters.
However, in the second half, and inspired Leon Augustine substitution changed the direction of the match. He pulled back one goal in the 53rd minute and eight minutes later, Harmanpreet Singh scored the equalizer.
Things got even better for the ISL 2018-19 winners as Ajay Chhetri successfully scored the penalty in the 75th minute. It was a heartbreak for the regimental team as Bengaluru looked even more dangerous in the latter stages.
Harmanpreet Singh scored his second goal in the 81st minute while Thoi Singh scored the fifth goal in the first minute of added time. Finally, the Navy held their heads high after pulling back another goal three minutes later. This time, Vijay was the goalscorer.
A harsh reality for the Kerala Blasters young guns but a giant killing performance from Delhi FC
After unplayable conditions in the previously allocated stadium, the venue change didn’t benefit the two time ISL finalists. It was an even first half as both sides failed to score the opening goal. Till this moment, Ivan Vukomanovic’s side probably could have made it to the knockouts as the Navy were leading 2-0.
Kerala Blasters were happy with the draw but in the later stages, it became difficult for them not to concede any goals. On the other hand, the 2nd division side from Capital were defending well thanks to skipper Anwar Ali.
However, the second half didn’t disappoint the Delhi-based team as Williz Plaza scored in the 53rd minute. Plaza scored his fourth goal in the tournament and leads the top scorer race.
The Yellow Brigade failed to score as Rahul KP missed an excellent chance towards the latter moments of the match. The shot hit the woodwork and luckily Delhi FC managed to keep it out of sight from their opponents. A valiant defensive performance from Delhi ensured the win and they are the second 2nd division club to feature in the knockouts alongside Bengaluru United.
The quarterfinals are lined up as Mohammedan SC face defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC. FC Bengaluru United face Army Red while FC Goa lock horns with Delhi FC. The final quarter-final would be a contest between Bengaluru FC and Army Green.
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