Jamshedpur FC edged out Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC (TAFC) 3-2 in a five-goal thriller in a Group C opening match of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament here on Thursday.
The Nepal Army side came from behind to equalise twice but Nikhil Barla’s strike ensured that the Red Miners start the tournament with a win.
Sarthak Goloui and Manvir Singh scored the first two goals for Jamshedpur while captain George Prince Karki and Ananta Tamang struck for Tribhuvan Army FC.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil named an all-Indian XI which included new signings Manvir Singh, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Goloui and Vincy Baretto while Tribhuvan Army coach Meghraj KC fielded a strong lineup in a 4-4-2 formation with Nawayug Shrestha and skipper George Prince Karki leading the attack.
Sarthak Goloui took advantage of a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper Samit Shrestha who failed to gather a long throw-in by Praful Kumar YV to give Jamshedpur the lead in the fourth minute.
The ball fell into the path of Sarthak who slotted the ball into the empty net.
Jamshedpur continued to threaten the side from Nepal, especially with their set piece routines which were plenty, but could not take their chances to score a second.
TAFC took advantage of that and scored the equaliser in the 26th minute through their captain George Prince Karki.
The striker received a pass from Gillespye Karki and found the bottom left corner with a low drilled shot, giving no chance for Jamshedpur goalkeeper Amrit Gope.
The Red Miners regained their lead within four minutes after Manvir Singh put the finishing touches to a neat team move.
The pace of the match slowed down in the second half until Tribhuvan Army centre back Ananta Tamang produced a fine goal.
The Nepalese international’s effort from 35 yards away found the top corner beyond the outstretched hands of the opposition goalkeeper. The Nepal side could not maintain the lead for long as Jamshedpur struck for the third time in the match through substitute Nikhil Barla.
TAFC defence could not clear Sanan Mohammed’s cross and Barla’s side-footed effort crept into the net through the near side of the post.
Imphal to host the 134th Durand Cup
DIMAPUR, JUL 24 (NPN): The iconic Durand Cup, India’s oldest and most revered football tournament, will mark its eagerly anticipated return to Manipur as the 134th edition’s Imphal leg gets underway at the historic Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
Organised by the Indian Army in close partnership with the Government of Manipur, the tournament promises to deliver high-octane football and capture the imagination of fans across the region.
A press release by AR PRO and spokesperson stated that following the devastating floods in Imphal last year, Khuman Lampak Stadium has been comprehensively restored to its former glory through the steadfast efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Every facet of preparation – from meticulous pitch maintenance to logistical arrangements – has been overseen with the utmost care to ensure an exceptional playing and viewing experience for all.
The edition will see four eminent teams – TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, the Indian Navy Football Team and Real Kashmir FC – vying for supremacy. Competitive fixtures are set to commence on 30 July, with local rivals TRAU FC and NEROCA FC in the curtain raiser. The action continues with the Indian Navy Football Team taking on Real Kashmir FC on 01 August, followed by TRAU FC against Real Kashmir FC on 04 August and NEROCA FC against the Indian Navy Football Team on 07 August. The penultimate clash features NEROCA FC versus Real Kashmir FC on 10 August, with the group stage concluding as TRAU FC takes on the Indian Navy Football Team on 12 August.
This year, the tournament stakes are higher than ever, with the champions and outstanding individual performers honoured with grand prizes. The most exceptional three players – winners of the Golden Boot (top scorer), Golden Glove (best goalkeeper), and Golden Ball (best player) – will each receive a brand-new SUV, recognising their brilliance on the pitch.
The press release stated that the passionate football community in Manipur has already demonstrated resounding support during the trophy tour and showcase on 10 July. Drawing on the electrifying atmosphere and rich legacy of the 2022 edition, Khuman Lampak Main Stadium is again expected to be a cauldron of energy, unity, and celebration. Fans from Manipur and beyond are poised to throng the stadium, ready to champion their teams and celebrate the enduring spirit of Indian football.
The 134th Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak not only underscores Manipur’s significance on the national footballing map but also promises to be a festival of sport and community pride, the release added.