Indian Navy FT scored twice in the closing minutes to overturn a one-goal deficit and beat local favourites TRAU FC 2–1, sealing their place in the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup from Group F in Imphal on Tuesday.
Moirangthem Nelson Singh had given TRAU the lead in the 29th minute, but goals from Pintu Mahata in the 87th minute and Sreyas VG in injury time saw the Navy side top the group with seven points, edging out Real Kashmir FC (six points) for the lone knockout berth.
TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh was forced into one change, bringing in Dhanachandra Mutum for suspended skipper Shitaljit Atom, while Navy coach Raman Rai named an unchanged starting XI.
The visitors began with intent, as the front trio of Vijay Marandi, Roshan Panna and Sreyas combined well with midfielders Pintu and J. Vijay to trouble the TRAU defence. The hosts looked dangerous on the counter, exploiting spaces left by the Navy’s attacking forays.
Against the run of play, TRAU struck first when Jenish Singh’s long ball found Yumnam Monis Singh, who squared a cross for Nelson to finish past goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy with his left foot.
Indian Navy created several chances thereafter but lacked composure in front of the goal, with most efforts blocked or saved by TRAU custodian Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh. J. Vijay’s low drive from distance forced a sharp save, while defender Adarsh Matummal rattled the inside of the post with a 40-yard free-kick in the second half.
TRAU nearly doubled their lead early after the restart, only for Roy to deny Afridi Buyamayum’s header. The Navy side continued to press, and their persistence finally paid off in the 87th minute when Sreyas slipped a pass to Pintu, who toe-poked past the goalkeeper.
The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time when C. Pradeesh delivered a looping cross that Sreyas met acrobatically to score, stunning the home crowd and confirming the Navy men’s place in the last eight.
