Nongkseh SSCC Dominates Mumbay FC with 7-0 Victory in Durand Cup 2026

Shillong, India Aug 11, 2026 ALN: Nongkseh SSCC finished their Durand Cup 2026 campaign in style with a dominant 7-0 win over Mumbay FC in a Group E fixture, played here today at the JN Stadium. This emphatic victory not only showcased Nongkseh’s attacking prowess but also underscored the challenges faced by Mumbay FC throughout the tournament.

The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia and has become a significant event in the Indian football calendar. This year’s edition has seen a mix of established clubs and emerging teams, with the competition providing a platform for players to display their skills and for clubs to gauge their preparations ahead of the domestic league seasons.

In this particular match, Hardy Cliff Nongbri (11’P, 79′) and Dawancha Carlos Challam (76′, 81′) both struck twice, while Kitboklang Pale (41′), Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (56′) and Sheen S Sohktung (89′) were also on the scoresheet as the hosts produced their most complete performance of the campaign to sign off in emphatic fashion. This comprehensive victory is a significant morale booster for Nongkseh, especially as they look to build on their performance in future competitions.

The result lifts Nongkseh to second in Group E with 4 points from three matches, level with Langsning FC on points but ahead on goal difference. Shillong Lajong FC top the group with 6 points from two matches, with both Lajong and Langsning still to play their final group stage fixture in two days’ time. Mumbay FC, like Nongkseh, have completed all three of their matches and end their campaign at the bottom with 0 points and having conceded 17 goals and scoring none of their own. This stark statistic highlights the defensive frailties that plagued Mumbay throughout the tournament, raising questions about their preparation and strategy.

Although currently second, Nongkseh are out of the running for a place in the quarterfinals. Only the six group winners plus the two best second-placed teams will progress to the Round of 8. This outcome is disappointing for Nongkseh, who had hoped to capitalize on their strong finish, but it also reflects the competitive nature of the tournament where every match can significantly impact the standings.

Nevertheless, Nongkseh set out with intent from the opening whistle, working an early corner inside the first two minutes that saw Kitboklang go close from the edge of the box, and the home side continued to look the sharper of the two sides down the flanks, with Aenam Jyrwa and Chesterpaul regularly finding pockets of space. Mumbay, to their credit, matched that early tempo rather than retreating into a defensive shell, and for a spell the contest carried a positive, open quality that belied its standing in the group.

The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Chester was brought down inside the box by Mumbay goalkeeper Pratik Jadhav for a clear penalty. Hardy stepped up two minutes later and sent Jadhav the wrong way to open the scoring, a goal that visibly settled the hosts and prompted Mumbay to retreat into a more defensive posture. This moment marked a turning point in the match, as it not only gave Nongkseh the lead but also shifted the momentum in their favor.

A second goal followed in the 41st minute, born more of persistence than precision. Sustained Nongkseh pressure eventually told when Kynsailang Khongsit’s delivery from the right was only partially cleared, the loose ball reaching Dawanchwa outside the box; his shot took a deflection off Kitbok that wrong-footed Jadhav entirely and nestled in the corner. This goal further emphasized Nongkseh's ability to capitalize on defensive errors, a crucial aspect of successful teams in tournament play.

Mumbay emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, pushing bodies forward in search of a way back into the contest, though Nongkseh’s defensive shape held firm against the increased pressure. Nongkseh would still go on to score, with Aenam recovering after being fouled inside the box to dribble past two challenges and set up Shano, whose blocked shot fell kindly for Chester to convert from close range in the 56th minute. Jadhav’s evening ended shortly afterwards, the Mumbay goalkeeper stretchered off with an injury sustained in the buildup to that third goal and replaced by Jebishan L. The injury to Jadhav added to Mumbay's woes, as they were already struggling to maintain their defensive integrity.

Nongkseh continued to press for more, Kynsailang rattling the woodwork in the 65th minute before Nongbri’s follow-up was blocked and Sheen forcing a smart save from Jebishan three minutes later. The relentless pressure from Nongkseh was indicative of a team that was not only seeking to secure a victory but also to send a message to their rivals about their capabilities.

The floodgates opened thereafter. Dawanchwa scored a genuinely outstanding fourth in the 76th minute, dribbling past three defenders down the left before finishing coolly at the near post, and Hardy bagged his brace three minutes later with a simple tap-in after being teed up by Sheen. Dawanchwa added his second, and Nongkseh’s sixth, in the 82nd minute when a tame effort from outside the box squirmed underneath Jebishan and into the net, before Sheen rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to round off a rout that had, by then, long stopped being in doubt. This late flurry of goals not only showcased Nongkseh's attacking depth but also highlighted Mumbay's defensive vulnerabilities, which will need addressing moving forward.

Group E’s remaining business now rests with Shillong Lajong FC and Langsning FC, both still to play their final fixture with a quarterfinal berth at stake. That match will take place on 13th August at 7PM at the same venue. The outcome of this match will determine the final standings in the group and set the stage for the knockout rounds of the tournament. The Durand Cup continues to be a critical event for clubs in India, providing not only competitive matches but also an opportunity for players to shine on a larger stage, potentially influencing their future in domestic and international football.