FC Raengdai beat Indian Navy 1-0 in Durand Cup debut at Khuman Lampak
FC Raengdai won 1-0 against Indian Navy in a Group D match of the Durand Cup, with a substitute scoring in the 58th minute at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
FC Raengdai marked their Durand Cup debut in a memorable way, beating Indian Navy 1-0 in a Group D match at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Thursday. The match started at a fast pace, and FC Raengdai showed early confidence despite facing a more experienced Indian Navy side.
Substitute Amarjit Singh breaks the deadlock
The first real chance came in the third minute when Mridul Doley made a run behind the Navy defence and drove into the penalty area. With only Bhaskar Roy to beat, Doley’s left-footed effort did not find the clean contact it needed, and the goalkeeper made a comfortable save.
Indian Navy looked dangerous from set-piece situations and tested FC Raengdai’s box with long throws. Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh also went close from a free-kick, after a run by Roshan Panna and a deflection off the wall. Before the break, Navy registered a shot on target when Sreyas V.G. was put through inside the box, but FC Raengdai’s goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga saved well. Both teams ended the first half level at 0-0, with each side recording six attempts on goal.
Second half changes lead to a historic goal
FC Raengdai made two changes at the break, bringing on Laishram Bikramjit Singh and substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh. The debutants created pressure early in the second half, with Mridul Doley missing a header from a cross and later firing a shot high over the crossbar after a loose ball inside the penalty area. Their work paid off in the 58th minute when Novin Gurung was dispossessed. Mridul Doley drove into the area, and although the advancing goalkeeper brought him down, the loose ball fell to substitute Amarjit Singh, who tapped into an empty net for the first-ever Durand Cup goal for FC Raengdai.
After taking the lead, FC Raengdai defended with discipline as Indian Navy pushed forward. A late mistake almost opened up another chance for Doley, but Bhaskar Roy produced an important save with an outstretched leg. Indian Navy kept sending crosses into the box, but FC Raengdai held on to secure a 1-0 win.
