India, Aug. 20 -- Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC), remember the name. At a time when clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) are saying they cannot continue, DHFC have shown that there is life beyond the top tier. A diamond that can be the third force from Bengal.

"We can be better but we cannot do more," said coach Kibu Vicuna one day prior to the semi-final against East Bengal in the 134th Durand Cup. Even the Spaniard would have been surprised at how his team lived up his mantra.

Now, defending champions NorthEast United, 1-0 winners against Shillong Lajong in Tuesday's semi-final, stand between them and a title in Asia's oldest, and the world's third oldest, tournament. Wednesday's 2-1 win against all odds ensured that.

Forget being overa...