Indian Navy Football Team Secures Victory in Durand Cup Against Real Kashmir FC
Indian Navy Triumphs in Durand Cup Match
Imphal (Manipur) [India], August 1: The Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) achieved a significant 2-1 victory over I-League's Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) during a tightly contested Group F match of the 134th Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday. This win marks the Navy's first success in the tournament since 2021.
Vijay Marandi opened the scoring in the 6th minute, followed by Sreyas V G's goal in the 70th minute, securing full points for the Sailors. Franck William Sessegnon managed to score for the Snow Leopards in the 64th minute, but it was merely a consolation goal, as reported in a Durand Cup press release.
Under the guidance of head coach Raman Rai, the Indian Navy adopted a classic 4-3-3 formation, with Bhaskar Roy as the captain and goalkeeper, supported by an attacking trio of Sreyas V G, Roshan Panna, and Vijay Marandi. In contrast, Real Kashmir's Ishfaq Ahmed deployed a robust 4-3-2-1 formation, featuring Russian striker Marat Tareck and midfielders Modou Mbengue and Franck William Sessegnon.
The Sailors took an early lead when Roshan Panna made a swift run down the right flank, delivering a low cross that Vijay Marandi skillfully tapped in with his knee, igniting cheers from the local supporters.
Real Kashmir responded with urgency, with Sessegnon and Tareck involved in several attacking plays. However, Navy's goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy was resolute, denying multiple attempts, including a strong run from Tareck and a near-perfect through ball from Sessegnon to Ahteeb in the 22nd minute.
The first half concluded with the score at 1-0 in favor of the Navy, despite some lively attempts from Ahteeb, who was thwarted twice—once by a tight-angle save from Bhaskar and another by a missed opportunity just before halftime.
Real Kashmir came out strong in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch. Their efforts bore fruit in the 64th minute when Sessegnon equalized, making a sharp run to connect with a brilliant long ball from Seila Toure and finishing past Bhaskar Roy.
However, the Sailors quickly regained their lead just six minutes later. Roshan Panna provided another assist, delivering a low diagonal pass to Sreyas V G, who finished accurately from the right edge of the box, putting Navy ahead 2-1.
Despite several substitutions from Real Kashmir, the Navy's defense, led by Novin Gurung and Adarsh Mattummal, remained steadfast. Novin, in particular, excelled with crucial interceptions and acrobatic clearances to maintain the lead.
As the match progressed, both teams created opportunities, but neither could convert. Ultimately, the Indian Navy secured all three points, rising to the top of Group F.