Imphal: A spectacular long-range strike from Rohen Singh proved decisive as Real Kashmir FC edged out TRAU FC 2-1 in a pulsating Group F clash of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Monday.
In front of over 20,000 fans, the match burst into life midway through the first half. Real Kashmir struck first in the 24th minute when Russian forward Marat Tareck slotted home a fine ball from Rohen. But TRAU FC hit back almost instantly—just two minutes later—through Afridi Buyamayum, who calmly finished a cross from Monis Singh to level the scores.
The end-to-end intensity carried into the second half, with both sides pushing for the winner. It finally came in the 64th minute, when Singh unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box, sealing three vital points for the Snow Leopards.
TRAU had enjoyed more possession and looked threatening on the wings, with Monis, Dhananjoy Singh, and Nelson combining well. A powerful drive from captain Shitaljit Atom in first-half stoppage time was blocked, and the sides went into the break tied at 1-1.
Real Kashmir came out sharper after the restart. Tareck came close to adding a second with a header in the 52nd minute, but Sapam Singh pulled off a sharp save. The breakthrough came shortly after when William Sessegnon teed up Rohen, who fired an unstoppable effort into the net.
TRAU’s task became harder in the 77th minute when skipper Shitaljit Atom was sent off after picking up a second yellow. Down to ten men, the hosts fought valiantly but couldn’t find the equalizer.
Real Kashmir nearly added a third in the 65th minute, but substitute Ahteeb Ahmad’s clever chip narrowly missed the post.
At full-time, it was Ishfaq Ahmed’s Real Kashmir who emerged triumphant in this tightly-contested Group F encounter. TRAU FC, despite their spirited display and vocal home support, were left to rue missed chances and a costly red card.
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