FC Raengdai’s impressive run in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup continued as they defeated TRAU FC 4-3 in a thrilling Group D match at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Monday. The newcomers showed no signs of nerves, playing like a side unburdened by the occasion, while TRAU struggled to overcome a two-goal deficit in front of their home crowd.
The result puts FC Raengdai at the top of Group D with six points from two matches, a remarkable start for a side playing only their second-ever Durand Cup fixture. Neroca sits second with one point from a single outing, while TRAU is third with one point from two games. Indian Navy occupies fourth place without a win.
Mridul Doley was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick to give FC Raengdai a crucial win. He scored either side of the half-hour mark to give his team a comfortable cushion, which was later reduced by TRAU’s Chanam Akash Meitei’s goal just before the interval. Chongtham Kishan Singh restored the two-goal gap in first-half stoppage time, but TRAU fought back in the second half.
Afdal Varikkodan pulled one back within two minutes of the restart, and Lanchungrei Pamei’s own goal in the 67th minute leveled the score for the second time. However, Doley had the final say, completing his hat-trick in the 79th minute to send FC Raengdai back in front for good.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances and the crowd fully invested in the action. FC Raengdai’s win is a significant upset, as they beat one of Manipur’s established names on their own turf. The group stage is still in its early stages, but FC Raengdai has made a strong statement with their impressive start.
Raengdai’s response to TRAU’s pressure was to keep men forward, even as the home team threw bodies ahead in search of parity. This approach paid off, as Doley’s hat-trick sealed the win for FC Raengdai. The team’s willingness to attack and create chances, even when ahead, was a key factor in their victory.
