NEROCA FC Secures Victory Against FC Raengdai in Durand Cup Clash
NEROCA FC Triumphs in Final Group Match
In an exciting conclusion to their group-stage journey in the 2026 Durand Cup, NEROCA FC rallied from behind to defeat FC Raengdai 3-1 at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday. FC Raengdai initially took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Jonah Kamei, but NEROCA equalized shortly after when Thoudam Nani Singh inadvertently scored an own goal eight minutes later.
The match took a significant turn in the second half when FC Raengdai was reduced to nine players after P.M. Rakeveiche and Soraisham Surjakanta Singh received red cards within a span of four minutes. This left the Noney-based team to play the last 30 minutes with a diminished squad. NEROCA capitalized on this advantage, taking the lead in the 89th minute with a header from substitute Chabungbam Linky Meitei, followed by a stoppage-time goal from Yumnam Renedy Meitei to seal the comeback.
Group Stage Performance
With this victory, NEROCA concluded their Group D campaign with four points from three matches, while FC Raengdai, who had already secured a spot in the quarter-finals, finished with six points from their three games.
Team Adjustments and Initial Play
For this crucial match, NEROCA FC's head coach Yumnam Raju Mangang made five changes to the starting lineup. Naorem Kiranjit Singh took over as goalkeeper, while Soibam Abhinash Singh and Lambalmayum Hemba Meetei joined the defense, replacing Ben Nash Quansh and Saphaba Singh Telem. In midfield, Sinam Maichael Singh came in for Charles Teiko Folley, and Sridarth Nongmeikapam replaced Ngathem Imarson Meitei in the attack.
On the other hand, FC Raengdai's head coach Kshetrimayum Birbal Singh made three adjustments to his team, which had already qualified for the next round. Yaithengbam Suraj Singh stepped in as goalkeeper for captain Kamei Pantiga, while Jonah Kamei took over the captaincy and replaced Wahengbam Rojen Meetei in defense. Thoudam Nani Singh was also included in midfield, taking the place of Gaisuangmei Kamei.
First Half: Balanced Play
NEROCA FC made the first attempt on goal within the first three minutes, as Sibajit Singh received a pass from Maichael Singh but failed to convert. Shortly after, FC Raengdai thought they had scored when Amarjit Singh executed an acrobatic shot, only for it to be ruled offside.
FC Raengdai eventually took the lead as Jonah Kamei scored with a powerful header from a corner, beating both the goalkeeper and a defender on the line. NEROCA had a few chances to equalize but struggled to find the target until a defensive mistake allowed Modou Mbengue to set up Thoudam Nani Singh, who inadvertently scored an own goal, leveling the match at 1-1.
As the first half progressed, NEROCA began to dominate midfield, creating more opportunities. David Singh nearly put NEROCA ahead but missed the target with a header. Both teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
Second Half: Game-Changing Red Cards
FC Raengdai made three substitutions at halftime to regain control of the midfield. However, the match turned in the 55th minute when P.M. Rakeveiche received a straight red card for a high boot on Soibam Abhinash Singh. Just three minutes later, Soraisham Surjakanta Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Raengdai with only nine players.
With the numerical advantage, NEROCA increased their attacking efforts, but FC Raengdai's defense held firm, dropping deeper to protect their goal. Despite several attempts, NEROCA struggled to find a breakthrough until the 89th minute when Linky Meitei scored with a well-placed header from a cross by Imarson Meitei.
Final Moments and Emerging Player Award
In stoppage time, Yumnam Renedy Meitei added a third goal for NEROCA, ensuring their victory. Meanwhile, the Durand Cup Tournament Society recognized Midul Doley of FC Raengdai as the Emerging Player from Group D, awarding him a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, presented by Lt. Gen. Girish Kalia AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 3 CORPS.