Indian Army Football Team Triumphs Over Mohammedan SC in Thrilling Durand Cup Match

In an exhilarating match at the 135th Durand Cup, the Indian Army Football Team overcame Mohammedan Sporting Club with a 2-1 victory. After trailing at halftime, the Army staged a remarkable comeback, with goals from P. Christopher Kamei and a last-minute winner from Shafeel PP. This victory not only secured their place at the top of Group B but also ensured their advancement to the quarter-finals. Mohammedan SC, despite a strong performance, exited the tournament with one win and two losses. Read on for a detailed account of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 23:05 IST

Indian Army's Comeback Victory

In a thrilling conclusion to the Group B stage of the 135th Durand Cup, the Indian Army Football Team staged a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club at Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday. Shafeel PP's dramatic stoppage-time goal capped off the comeback after P. Christopher Kamei equalized Lalthankima's stunning first-half strike, allowing the Army team to finish first in Group B with a perfect nine points from three matches, thus advancing to the quarter-finals.

Before the match, the Indian Army needed just a draw to secure the top position, while Mohammedan SC was in dire need of a win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. The Black and White Brigade started the match with vigor, showing more attacking intent early on. Israfil Dewan sent a promising cross from the left within the first two minutes, but no teammate was available to finish.

Shortly after, Lalthankima delivered a brilliant cross to the far post, where F. Lalremsanga hit the post, and Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, the Army's goalkeeper, had to make a save from another long-range attempt by Lalthankima. Mohammedan maintained control of the ball and nearly capitalized on a quick counter-attack in the 12th minute, but Thakuri's quick reflexes denied Lalremsanga.

The Army team gradually found their rhythm, with Christopher Kamei creating significant chances. He sent a dangerous ball into the penalty area, forcing Juwel Ahmed Mazumder to concede a corner, and later tested goalkeeper Shubhadip Pandit with a powerful long-range shot.

As the match progressed, Kamei continued to lead the Army's offensive efforts. A well-coordinated play involving Shubham Rana and Shafeel P.P. led to another opportunity in the 23rd minute, but Kamei's shot went off target after a clever setup.

Mohammedan Takes the Lead

The first goal of the match came in the 34th minute, and it was a spectacular one. Lalthankima received the ball on the left, skillfully maneuvered infield, and unleashed a stunning right-footed shot into the top-left corner, leaving Thakuri with no chance and giving Mohammedan a well-deserved lead.

The Black and White Brigade maintained their composure for the rest of the half, controlling possession and limiting the Indian Army's scoring opportunities. Samir Murmu attempted a long-range shot deep into stoppage time, while Lalngaiahsaka tested the defense from a tight angle, but Mohammedan went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

Second Half Resurgence by the Army

After the break, the Indian Army emerged with renewed urgency, but Mohammedan's defense, led by Arpit Chhetri, continued to thwart their efforts. The equalizer came in the 59th minute through a stroke of luck. Kamei's powerful shot from distance deflected off Mohammedan defender Pukhrambam Dinesh Meitei, hit the post, and rolled into the net, leaving Shubhadip Pandit helpless.

This goal shifted the momentum in favor of the Indian Army. Pawar Abhishek Shankar nearly completed the comeback after breaking into the box, but a combination of Rahul Naskar and Shubhadip Pandit denied him from a challenging angle. The Army team kept pushing for a winner, with substitute Liton Shil linking up well with Shankar, although the latter's shot lacked the necessary power.

Samir Murmu also missed a chance after a long throw as the Indian Army enjoyed extended periods of possession. Mohammedan remained a threat on the counter-attack and almost regained the lead in the 81st minute when substitute Maharabam Maxion broke through on goal. Thakuri bravely charged off his line, colliding with both the forward and his own defender to avert the danger.

Dramatic Finish Secures Victory

The Indian Army continued to press for the winning goal. Substitute Abhi S. Biju won a corner after a spirited run down the right, while Alan Thapa's ambitious long-range attempt sailed over the bar as both teams fought fiercely in midfield.

The decisive moment came in the first minute of stoppage time. Shafeel P.P. unleashed a powerful strike from distance that took a slight deflection on its way past the goalkeeper and into the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Indian Army players and their supporters.

This thrilling victory allowed the Indian Army Football Team to complete a flawless Group B campaign with three wins from three matches, securing their place in the quarter-finals as group winners. In contrast, Mohammedan SC exited the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with one win and two losses.