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

Indian Army Secures Quarter-Final Spot with Dramatic Win

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 12: The Indian Army Football Team showcased a remarkable comeback in the second half, defeating Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 during the final Group B match of the 135th Durand Cup at Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.

A stunning stoppage-time goal from Shafeel PP sealed the victory after P. Christopher Kamei equalized, canceling out Lalthankima's impressive first-half goal. This win allowed the Services team to finish Group B at the top with a perfect nine points from three matches, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Before the match, the Indian Army needed just a point to clinch 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 energetically, appearing more adventurous in the early moments.

Israfil Dewan sent a promising cross from the left within the first two minutes, but no one was there to finish. Shortly after, Lalthankima delivered a beautiful cross to the far post, where F. Lalremsanga hit the post, and goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri had to make a save from another long-range attempt by Lalthankima.

Mohammedan maintained control of the ball and nearly capitalized on a quick transition in the 12th minute, but Indian Army's captain and goalkeeper, Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, made an excellent save to deny Lalremsanga.

As the match progressed, the Army team found their rhythm, creating significant chances through Christopher Kamei. 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.

The Services team continued to build momentum, with Kamei orchestrating plays from midfield. A well-executed move 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 cutback.

Mohammedan responded with their own attacking flair, as Lalremsanga showcased his skills before Lalngaiahsaka shot over from the edge of the box. Right-back Rahul Naskar also impressed with crucial defensive plays.

Indian Army came close to scoring just before the half-hour mark when Samir Murmu failed to redirect the ball into the net after the Mohammedan goalkeeper had come off his line.

The breakthrough finally came in the 34th minute when Lalthankima picked up the ball on the left, skillfully moved 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.

Mohammedan maintained their composure for the rest of the half, controlling possession and limiting Indian Army's clear chances. 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 lead.

After the break, Indian Army returned with increased urgency, but Mohammedan's defense, led by Arpit Chhetri, continued to frustrate them.

The equalizer came in the 59th minute through a stroke of luck. Christopher 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 Rahul Naskar and Shubhadip Pandit combined to deny him from a challenging angle.

The Services team continued to seek a winner, with substitute Liton Shil linking up well with Abhishek Shankar, although the latter's shot lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper. Samir Murmu also shot high after a long throw as the Indian Army enjoyed extended periods of possession.

Mohammedan remained a threat on the counter 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.

Indian Army kept pushing for the decisive goal. Substitute Abhi S. Biju won a corner after a dynamic run down the right, while Alan Thapa's ambitious long-range shot sailed over as both teams battled fiercely in midfield.

The crucial moment arrived in the first minute of stoppage time when 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 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.