Kibu Vicuna and co. produced a stunning result on 20th August 2025 as the entire footballing community in Kolkata went into shock. Diamond Harbour FC outclassed East Bengal FC 2-1 in this exciting clash.
The Salt Lake Stadium witnessed a game that will be remembered for ages as a side which is barely 5 years old, defeated the Kolkata Giants. It was also the first time that a debutant in the Durand Cup, entered into the finals.
The match started on a positive note and East Bengal were dominating possession. Oscar Bruzon’s Red and Gold Brigade kept attacking but failed to get past Mirshad Michu.
Diamond Harbour’s defence stood firm and thwarted the incoming thunderbolts from East Bengal. The first half was a cagey affair and ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
In the 2nd half, Mikel Kortazar of Diamond Harbour grabbed the spotlight with his jaw-dropping bicycle kick from close-range and silenced the entire crowd in Kolkata. It was a fantastic goal and it gained even more value because it was scored during a crunch situation.
Almost shortly, East Bengal FC gave it back to their opponents as Anwar Ali scored a goal from outside the penalty box and sent the entire crowd into a frenzy.
Jobby Justin produced the winner in this Durand Cup 2025
Former Red and Gold Brigade player Jobby Justin netted the goal from close-range and stabbed home the winner. He didn’t celebrate frantically, perhaps out of respect for his former club.
But it meant nightmares for the home crowd as they stood there in disbelief. A young clubm born out of courage and resilience, shook the Kolkata Giants, who have won this competition, 16 times.
The story of Diamond Harbour FC is quite inspiring. The revolutionary coach Kibu Vicuna has firstly won the I-League 3, I-League 2 and has also helped his side qualify for the I-League 2025-26.
His eyes are now set on the grand finale of the Durand Cup and also on the upcoming I-League.
