IMPHAL, AUG 3 (IANS): The 135th edition of the Durand Cup witnessed one of its most dramatic contests on August 3, 2026, as debutants FC Raengdai stunned home favourites Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) 4–3 at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. The Group D clash was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, defensive lapses, and attacking brilliance, ultimately decided by a hat-trick from Raengdai’s star forward, Mridul Doley.
FC Raengdai, newcomers to the Durand Cup, entered the fixture with little expectation but left the stadium top of Group D with six points from two matches. Their fearless approach contrasted sharply with TRAU’s struggles to cope under pressure, despite the backing of a passionate home crowd. The match swung repeatedly, leaving both dugouts unsettled and supporters breathless.
From the outset, Raengdai played with freedom, unburdened by the occasion. Their pressing game forced TRAU into errors, and in the 14th minute, Doley capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the opener. Ten minutes later, he struck again, volleying home after dispossessing Seila Toure. Both goals highlighted TRAU’s defensive frailties and Raengdai’s sharpness in transition.
TRAU attempted to respond through long-range efforts, with Chanam Akash Meitei finally finding success in the 41st minute, beating goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga with a powerful strike. However, Raengdai restored their two-goal cushion in stoppage time when Chongtham Kishan Singh curled in a deflected effort, making it 3–1 at the break.
The second half began with TRAU determined to claw their way back. Within two minutes, Afdal Varikkodan pounced on a rebound to reduce the deficit. The home side continued to press, and in the 67th minute, their persistence paid off when Lanchungrei Pamei inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, levelling the score at 3–3.
For a brief period, TRAU looked poised to complete the turnaround, with their supporters roaring them forward. Yet Raengdai refused to retreat, maintaining their attacking intent despite the pressure.
The defining moment arrived in the 79th minute. Kishan delivered a precise corner, and Doley rose above the defence to head home his third goal of the night. The hat-trick not only sealed Raengdai’s victory but also underscored his pivotal role in their remarkable campaign.
Unlike many sides who would have sat back to protect a late lead, Raengdai continued to push forward, showing confidence and resilience. TRAU threw bodies ahead in search of another equaliser, but Raengdai’s defence held firm, ensuring the visitors claimed a famous win.
The result dramatically reshaped the Group D standings. FC Raengdai now lead with six points from two matches, an extraordinary achievement for a team playing only its second Durand Cup fixture. Neroca sit second with one point from a single outing, while TRAU are third with one point from two games. The Indian Navy remain bottom without a win.
With the group stage still in its early stages, the picture remains fluid, but TRAU’s defeat has dealt a significant blow to their qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Raengdai’s fairytale run has captured the imagination of fans, with their fearless football and Doley’s heroics making them one of the stories of the tournament.
The Khuman Lampak Stadium was electric throughout, with the home crowd initially backing TRAU but gradually swept up in Raengdai’s spirited performance. Every touch from the debutants in the attacking half was met with cheers, as if the outsiders had acquired a second home fixture.
For TRAU, the loss was a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of football. Despite their established reputation in Manipuri football, they were undone by defensive lapses and Raengdai’s relentless energy. For Raengdai, the victory was another chapter in a remarkable journey, proving that determination and belief can overcome experience and pedigree.
