Indian Army Football Team produced a stunning late comeback to beat Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 in a dramatic Group B encounter of the 135th Durand Cup at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.
The victory saw Indian Army finish the group stage with a perfect nine points from three matches and secure top spot in Group B, booking their place in the quarter-finals. Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.
Mohammedan started brightly and controlled much of the opening half. Lalthankima came close to opening the scoring when Lalremsanga struck the post from his cross, while Indian Army goalkeeper and captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri made several important saves to keep his side in the contest.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 34th minute. Lalthankima collected the ball on the left, cut inside with superb footwork and unleashed a brilliant right-footed effort into the top corner, giving Thakuri no chance.
Mohammedan carried their 1-0 lead into half-time after a disciplined defensive display.
Indian Army returned from the interval with renewed purpose and were rewarded in the 59th minute. Christopher Kamei’s powerful long-range strike took a deflection off Pukhrambam Dinesh Meitei, hit the post and rolled into the net to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted the momentum in Indian Army’s favour. Pawar Abhishek Shankar came close to completing the comeback, while Mohammedan goalkeeper Shubhadip Pandit and Rahul Naskar combined to deny him.
Mohammedan still threatened on the counter, with Maharabam Maxion going close in the 81st minute. Thakuri bravely raced off his line to prevent the forward from restoring Mohammedan’s lead.
Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Indian Army found the winner in the first minute of stoppage time. Shafeel P.P. unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that took a slight deflection before finding the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the Army players and supporters.
The 2-1 triumph completed a flawless group-stage campaign for Indian Army, who now advance to the Durand Cup quarter-finals as Group B winners.
