FC Raengdai Achieves Historic Victory Over Indian Navy in Durand Cup Debut

Imphal, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: Imphal: FC Raengdai marked their maiden Durand Cup appearance in memorable fashion with an impressive 1-0 victory over last year’s quarter-finalists, Indian Navy Football Team, in a Group D fixture of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Thursday. This victory not only signifies a remarkable achievement for the club but also highlights the growing competitiveness of football in India, particularly at the grassroots and regional levels.

The Durand Cup, one of Asia's oldest football tournaments, has been a significant platform for clubs across India to showcase their talent. Established in 1888, the tournament has evolved over the years, featuring a mix of established clubs and emerging teams. FC Raengdai's participation in this prestigious tournament marks a milestone in the club's history, reflecting their commitment to developing local talent and competing at higher levels.

Substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh scored the decisive goal in the 58th minute, handing the outfit a historic first-ever Durand Cup goal and a deserved victory. The goal was a culmination of strategic play and determination, showcasing the potential of FC Raengdai as they navigate their inaugural campaign in this competitive environment.

Indian Navy head coach Akash Kamble named an experienced starting XI featuring several players with Indian Super League (ISL) and Indian Football League experience, including Bhaskar Roy, Novin Gurung, Adersh Mattummal, Sreyas V.G., Vijay J., Brijesh Giri, Maibam Deny Singh, and Vijay Marandi. This wealth of experience was expected to give the Navy team an edge, as they sought to capitalize on their previous success in the tournament.

In contrast, FC Raengdai head coach Kshetrimayum Birbal Singh opted for a youthful all-Indian lineup as the club made its maiden appearance in the Durand Cup. This decision reflects a broader trend in Indian football, where clubs are increasingly focusing on nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to compete on larger stages. The blend of youth and energy in FC Raengdai's squad was evident throughout the match, as they displayed both skill and tenacity.

FC Raengdai created the first chance of the match as early as the third minute. Mridul Doley made a clever run in behind the Indian Navy defence before driving into the penalty area. With only Bhaskar Roy to beat, the winger failed to make clean contact with his left-footed effort, allowing the experienced goalkeeper to make a comfortable save. This early opportunity set the tone for an exciting match, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.

Indian Navy matched the early intensity and looked particularly threatening from set-piece situations. A long throw into the penalty area caused confusion inside the FC Raengdai box before the defence managed to clear the danger. Moments later, Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh came close from a free-kick, won after an excellent run by Roshan Panna, as his effort took a slight deflection off the defensive wall and drifted narrowly wide of the post. The Navy's ability to create set-piece opportunities underscored their tactical approach, relying on their physical presence to challenge FC Raengdai's defence.

The Navy men registered their first shot on target just before the hydration break. Vijay Marandi and Roshan Panna combined neatly on the edge of the penalty area, with Panna rolling a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Sreyas V.G., who found himself unmarked inside the box. However, the forward failed to generate enough power on his effort, allowing FC Raengdai goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga to make a comfortable save. This moment was indicative of the urgency both teams felt, as they searched for the crucial first goal.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides searching for an opening, but neither could find the cutting edge in the final third. With both teams registering six attempts on goal, the contest remained evenly poised as they headed into the interval with the scores locked at 0-0. The first half highlighted the tactical battle between the two coaches, with both teams exhibiting a mix of attacking flair and defensive discipline.

FC Raengdai made a double substitution at the break, introducing Laishram Bikramjit Singh and Khaidem Amarjit Singh, and the debutants emerged with renewed intent after the restart. They created the first opportunity of the second half when P.M. Rakeveiche whipped in a dangerous cross from the right flank. Mridul Doley found space between the two Indian Navy centre-backs but failed to make contact with his attempted header, letting a promising chance go begging. These early second-half opportunities illustrated FC Raengdai's determination to take control of the match.

Mridul squandered another opportunity to break the deadlock moments later when a loose ball fell kindly for him inside the penalty area. Opting for power over placement, the striker blazed his effort high over the crossbar, much to the relief of the Indian Navy defence who were unable to clear the ball in the first instance. Such missed chances can often define the course of a match, and FC Raengdai was aware that they needed to capitalize on their growing momentum.

FC Raengdai eventually made their bright start to the second half count by taking the lead in the 58th minute. Novin Gurung, the last man in defence for Navy, was dispossessed by Mridul Doley, who drove into the penalty area. Although the advancing goalkeeper brought Doley down, the loose ball rolled kindly into the path of substitute Amarjit Singh, who had the simplest of tasks of tapping into an empty net to score FC Raengdai’s first-ever goal in the Durand Cup. This moment was not just significant for Amarjit Singh but for the entire FC Raengdai squad, as it validated their efforts and ambitions on this prestigious platform.

As Indian Navy pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, defensive lapses began to creep into their game. One such mistake nearly proved costly when Navjot Singh failed to control a long ball, allowing Mridul Doley to race through on goal. The striker looked destined to double FC Raengdai’s lead, but Bhaskar Roy produced an excellent save with his outstretched leg to keep his side in the contest. This save highlighted the importance of individual brilliance in football, especially during crucial moments when a team is under pressure.

Indian Navy threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, repeatedly delivering crosses into the penalty area from both flanks. However, FC Raengdai defended resolutely, with the backline standing firm to repel the aerial threat and protect their goalkeeper. The defensive organization displayed by FC Raengdai was commendable, as they effectively neutralized the Navy's attacking threats and maintained their slender lead.

FC Raengdai had a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Substitute Tingkaochun Gangmei was presented with an open goal from just six yards after being picked out unselfishly by Khaidem Amarjit Singh, but somehow failed to hit the target. Such missed opportunities can often lead to nail-biting finishes, and FC Raengdai had to remain vigilant in the dying moments of the match.

With five minutes of added time signalled, the debutants displayed tremendous discipline to withstand the late pressure, ensuring they held on for a famous victory, in front of a loud and passionate home support. The victory not only boosts FC Raengdai's confidence but also sets a positive tone for their campaign in the Durand Cup, as they aim to build on this historic win and establish themselves as a competitive force in Indian football.

This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where emerging teams can challenge established ones, and it emphasizes the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and strategic planning. As FC Raengdai continues their journey in the tournament, they will undoubtedly face tougher challenges ahead, but their debut victory against Indian Navy will be a significant milestone in their history.