Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Aug 4: A sensational 64th-minute strike from Rohen Singh lit up the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Monday, as Real Kashmir FC edged past hosts TRAU FC 2-1 in a high-octane Group F clash of the 134th Durand Cup.

With over 20,000 fans roaring in support, the match delivered on drama and intensity. Quickfire goals in the first half — one each for both sides — set the tone early. Marat Tareck gave the Snow Leopards a surprise lead in the 24th minute before TRAU FC’s Afridi Buyamayum struck back almost instantly in the 26th. But it was Singh’s long-range piledriver in the second half that ultimately sealed three valuable points for Real Kashmir.

The opening minutes saw TRAU take early initiative, dominating possession and creating opportunities. Afridi came close in the 13th minute, only to be denied by Real Kashmir's alert keeper, Furqan Ahmad Dar.

Despite TRAU’s momentum, it was the visitors who struck first. Rohen’s lofted ball sliced through the defense and found Tareck, who calmly finished to make it 1-0. But TRAU responded within a minute. A dazzling run by Monis Singh down the right was capped with a precise cross that Afridi coolly slotted in to level things up.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams trade blows, with Shitaljit Atom and Nelson pushing the tempo for the home side. Yet, despite the attacking flair, the scores stayed tied at the break.

Real Kashmir came out more organised in the second half. A missed header from Tareck early on signaled their intent. Then, just past the hour mark, came the moment of brilliance: after some quick interplay, Rohen Singh found himself in space outside the box and unleashed a stunning drive that flew past the outstretched Sapam Singh.

Substitute Ahteeb Ahmad nearly doubled the advantage minutes later, but his clever chip missed the mark by inches. TRAU's situation worsened when their captain, Shitaljit Atom, was sent off for a second yellow in the 77th minute.

Even down to 10 men, TRAU kept pushing, attempting counterattacks led by Dhananjoy and Monis, but Real Kashmir’s defense, anchored by Siela Toure, stood firm.

In the dying moments, both sides pressed for a decisive goal — Real Kashmir to seal the win, TRAU to salvage a point — but the score remained unchanged.

With this victory, coach Ishfaq Ahmed’s side takes a big step toward qualification from Group F. Real Kashmir will next take on NEROCA FC on August 10, while TRAU FC must regroup quickly before their clash against Indian Navy FT on August 12.