Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jul 30: The Imphal Derby lived up to its intensity and drama as NEROCA FC held TRAU FC to a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Group E opener of the 134th Durand Cup at a packed Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday.
With the atmosphere electric and home fans roaring, TRAU took the lead in the second half through Khunjamayum Raj Singh, only to be denied in stoppage time by Arunkumar Singh’s dramatic equaliser, salvaging a point for NEROCA.
? Tactical Battle in the First Half
NEROCA began the game on the front foot, pressing high and dominating the opening exchanges. Skipper Angom Kinesh Singh had an early chance, but TRAU’s Rakesh blocked his effort, and Mark Harrison fired the rebound wide.
TRAU slowly settled in, controlling more possession through the midfield. Both teams, however, struggled to carve open chances, with the first half ending goalless despite flashes of attacking play.
?? Second-Half Fireworks
The game exploded into life after the break. In the 58th minute, TRAU right-back Raj Singh surged down the flank and floated a cross that unexpectedly dipped into the net, sneaking past NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh for a 1-0 lead.
NEROCA upped the pressure, but TRAU’s defence, marshalled by Dhananjoy Singh, repelled wave after wave of attack.
The tide turned in the 73rd minute when TRAU’s Dhanachandra Mutum received his second yellow card, reducing the side to 10 men. The dismissal shifted momentum fully to NEROCA.
?? Last-Gasp Equaliser
Despite heroic saves from TRAU goalkeeper Sapam Singh, including a reflex stop in the 86th minute, the resistance finally broke deep into stoppage time. A pinpoint cross from Zlex Mangang was nodded across goal by Waikhom, and Arunkumar Singh stooped low to head home in the 96th minute, sending the NEROCA bench and fans into wild celebration.
TRAU were left ruing a missed opportunity for three points, especially after defending so resolutely with 10 men. NEROCA, on the other hand, showed grit and resilience to snatch a point in one of the tournament’s most fiercely contested rivalries.
?? What’s Next?
Both sides begin their Durand Cup Group E campaigns with a point each, and will now look to build on this result in the upcoming matches.
Player of the Match: Arunkumar Singh (NEROCA FC) – for his clutch equaliser under pressure.