Indian Army Football Team maintained their winning start to the 135th Durand Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Baghpat FC in their Group B clash at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan at Kolkata today.
Goals from Samir Murmu, Saikhom Borish Singh, Shubham Rana and P. Christopher Kamei sealed a comprehensive win for the Services side, who moved to six points from two matches. Baghpat FC, meanwhile, ended their maiden Durand Cup campaign without registering a point.
Indian Army asserted their authority from the outset, controlling possession and putting the Baghpat defence under sustained pressure. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Christopher Kamei picked out Samir Murmu with a perfectly weighted pass over the top. Murmu timed his run well before calmly lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper Ayan Bhattacharya.
The Services side doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute. Kamei turned provider once again, delivering a teasing cross from the left that Saikhom Borish Singh headed powerfully into the net.
Baghpat’s best opportunity of the opening half came shortly after the half-hour mark when Crispin C. Cleetus delivered a dangerous cross, but substitute Senthamil S failed to keep his header on target.
Indian Army extended their lead in the 36th minute after Pardeep Singh’s header struck the post. Shubham Rana reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting home from close range to make it 3-0.
Kamei then capped an outstanding first-half display with a superb goal deep into stoppage time. After receiving a cutback from Pawar Abhishek Shankar, the midfielder shifted onto his left foot and curled a fine effort into the top corner, giving Indian Army a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
Baghpat showed improved intent after the restart and enjoyed spells of possession through captain Aaryan Amla, Ningthoukhongjam Rohen Singh and Crispin C. Cleetus. However, the Indian Army defence, marshalled by Shafeel P.P., Pardeep Singh and Sunil B, remained compact and rarely looked troubled.
Although Indian Army continued to dominate possession, they were unable to add to their tally. Bhattacharya produced a series of impressive saves to deny Pawar Abhishek Shankar and Samir Murmu, while substitute Tejas Narayan Choudhary and Om Motghare made several important defensive interventions to prevent further damage.
Despite creating additional chances, the Services side comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to record their second consecutive victory.
The result leaves Indian Army FT on a perfect six points after two Group B matches, while Baghpat FC conclude their debut Durand Cup campaign without a win.
