Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Aug 12: NEROCA FC came from behind to beat nine-man FC Raengdai 3-1 and end their group-stage campaign on a winning note in the 135th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium here on Wednesday.
FC Raengdai took the lead in the 19th minute through Jonah Kamei, but NEROCA restored parity eight minutes later after Thoudam Nani Singh turned the ball into his own net.
Raengdai were reduced to nine players in the second half after P.M. Rakeveiche and Soraisham Surjakanta Singh were shown red cards within four minutes of each other, forcing the Noney-based side to play the final 30 minutes with nine men.
NEROCA took the lead in the 89th minute when substitute Chabungbam Linky Meitei headed home. Yumnam Renedy Meitei then added a third in stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The victory saw NEROCA finish their Group D campaign with four points from three matches, while FC Raengdai, who had already secured their place in the quarter-finals, finished with six points from three matches.
NEROCA head coach Yumnam Raju Mangang made five changes to his starting XI for the final match. Naorem Kiranjit Singh replaced Abujam Penand Singh in goal, while Soibam Abhinash Singh and Lambalmayum Hemba Meetei came into defence in place of Ben Nash Quansh and Saphaba Singh Telem.
Sinam Maichael Singh replaced Charles Teiko Folley in midfield, while Sridarth Nongmeikapam came into the attack in place of Ngathem Imarson Meitei.
FC Raengdai coach Kshetrimayum Birbal Singh made three changes to his side, which had already booked a quarter-final berth. Yaithengbam Suraj Singh replaced captain Kamei Pantiga in goal, with Jonah Kamei coming into defence and taking over the captain's armband. Thoudam Nani Singh was also handed a start in midfield in place of Gaisuangmei Kamei.
NEROCA registered the first attempt inside three minutes after Sibajit Singh found space inside the box to control a pass from Michael Singh. However, the forward failed to make clean contact and his effort drifted wide.
Moments later, Raengdai thought they had taken the lead when Amarjit Singh produced an acrobatic finish after connecting with Amitkumar Singh's pass, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Raengdai gradually established control and took the lead in the 19th minute. Jonah Kamei peeled away from his marker to meet a corner and powered a header towards the bottom corner. The effort beat both the goalkeeper and the defender stationed on the goal line.
NEROCA had opportunities to equalise from set-pieces, but Zidan Singh failed to keep his headers on target on both occasions.
The equaliser eventually arrived after a defensive error. Modou Mbengue won possession from Keiphaba Meitei on the edge of the box before squaring the ball towards a teammate. In an attempt to clear the danger, Raengdai midfielder Nani Singh turned the ball into his own net to make it 1-1.
NEROCA gained the upper hand in midfield towards the end of the first half and created more attacking opportunities. David Singh came close to putting his side ahead after meeting a cross from the right flank, but his unmarked header went wide.
Raengdai looked to threaten on the counter and through set-pieces but failed to register another attempt on target before the teams went into the break level.
Raengdai made a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on Soraisham Surjakanta Singh, Chuingampou Kamei and Tingkaochun Gangmei for Thoudam Nani Singh, Amarjit Singh and Ningthoujam Abungton Singh.
Raengdai were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute after P.M. Rakeveiche received a straight red card for a high-boot challenge on NEROCA centre-back Soibam Abhinash Singh near the touchline. The referee initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to red after consulting the assistant referee.
Three minutes later, Raengdai were down to nine players after second-half substitute Soraisham Surjakanta Singh received his second yellow card and was sent off. He had been booked seven minutes after coming on for a similar challenge.
With the numerical advantage, NEROCA began moving the ball more quickly in the opposition half. Raengdai dropped deeper, with eight outfield players working behind the ball to keep their defensive shape compact.
Raengdai also brought on centre-back Rojen Meetei for striker Midul Doley to further strengthen the defence.
NEROCA continued to pile on the pressure but struggled to break through the resolute Raengdai backline. Substitute Linky Meitei came close when he found space inside the box, but his effort from around 10 yards was straight at the goalkeeper.
NEROCA finally made their numerical advantage count in the 89th minute. Substitute Imarson Meitei delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box for fellow substitute Linky Meitei, who guided a well-placed header into the net.
Renedy Meitei then sealed the victory in stoppage time, beating the goalkeeper with a composed finish to complete NEROCA's comeback.
As part of the 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, the Durand Cup Tournament Society is recognising one outstanding Emerging Player from each group. Each selected player receives a cash award of Rs 1 lakh from the Society.
Midul Doley of FC Raengdai was named the Emerging Player from Group D. The award cheque was presented by Lt. Gen. Girish Kalia AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 3 CORPS.
Thursday's matches:
Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Air Force FT (Group C) — 4 pm, Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi
Bodoland FC vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (Group F) — 4 pm, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
Shillong Lajong FC vs Langsning FC (Group E) — 7 pm, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong