IMPHAL: In front of a packed Khuman Lampak Main Stadium filled with passionate supporters of both FC Raengdai and TRAU FC, the tournament debutants produced another stunning performance to defeat the hosts 4-3 in a thrilling Group D clash of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup on Monday.
Mridul Doley starred with a superb hat-trick, scoring in the 14th, 24th and 79th minutes, while Chongtham Kishan Singh added another goal in first-half stoppage time. TRAU staged a spirited comeback through Chanam Akash Meitei (41′), Afdal Varikkodan (47′) and an own goal by Lanchungrei Pamei (67′), but were unable to find a late equaliser.
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Raengdai dominated the first half and took a 3-1 lead into the break after capitalising on defensive mistakes by TRAU. The hosts responded strongly after the restart, fighting back to level the score at 3-3 before Doley headed home the decisive goal from a Kishan corner in the 79th minute to complete his hat-trick.
The victory lifted FC Raengdai to the top of Group D with six points from two matches, extending their perfect start to the competition. Neroca FC are second with one point from one match, while TRAU remain on one point from two games. Indian Navy are fourth without a point.
With consecutive victories in their maiden Durand Cup campaign, FC Raengdai have emerged as one of the biggest surprise teams of the tournament, while TRAU’s hopes of progressing from the group have suffered a major setback.
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