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FC Goa – 4 (Leander D’Cunha 47’, Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar 58’, Abawiha 79’, Vellington 90+6’) Rangdajied United FC– 3 (Owanijuh Pajuh 19’, Pynbha 61’ Apbor 86’)
Shillong, August 05, 2024: FC Goa (FCG) edged RangdajiedUnited FC (RUFC) in a seven-goal thriller starting their campaign in the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, with a 4-3 win in a Group Fencounter played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Leander D’Cunha, Devendra Murgaokar, Abawiha and Vellingtonscored for the Gaurs while strikes from Pajuh, a world class goal from Pynbha and one from Apbor, was not enough for the newly included team to earn a point from their opening game.
All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform
FC Goa fielded many of their second eleven players as head Coach Israil Gurung named a young line up which had also hadexperienced campaigners like Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar and Akash Oraow. Rangdajied United FC Head Coach Aibanjop Shadapstarted with a traditional 4-3-3 formation.
With the heavy rain, ground conditions were difficult. However, both teams were looked to attack in the first ten minutes of the game. Rangdajied United it was who took the lead in the 19th minute of the game. The wildcards stunned the Gaurs when Pajuh took advantage of a defensive lapse to step up, and unleash a shot from distance fora sensational goal.
Both teams were giving an equal fight to each other and RUFC were doing well to find the gaps with perfect passes to each other without being dispossessed inside the opposition box, which gave them all the advantage in the world.
FCG created some dangerous chances but to no avail. RUFC’s Aenam was creating more problems in-fact for the Gaurs but they defended well.
In the beginning of the second half the Goa earned a penalty for a tackle by the RUFC goal keeper. Leander D’Cunha stepped up to take the shot which the keeper saved but Leander was too quick to shoot off the rebound tand put it in the back of the net.
The Gaurs made completed the comeback with a beautiful cross coming in from the right flank, reaching Devendra inside the box, who just put his foot on it and directed the ball towards into the net showing great finishing skills.
The local side however got back into the game withing two minutes when a throw-in landed at the feet of Pynbha, who shot a screamer that curved and ended at the right top corner of the net.
Goa again took the lead when another mistake from RUFC inside the box led to a handball and the referee pointing towards the spot yet again. Abawiha took the penalty. RUFC goal keeper dived in the right direction to stop the penalty but still failed to stop the ball from going in. However, RUFC made it all square again with Apbor putting a beautiful shot inside the net from an extremely tight angle.
Late drama continued as the Gaurs got the winning goal of the match. Likson tried to put the ball into the net from the right flank from an extremely tight angle but it hit the bar and Vellington was there at the right place at the right time to shoot the rebound into the net and produce a magical moment in the dying seconds of the game.
ABOUT DURAND CUP
A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament. Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been the breeding ground for India’s best footballing talent, over the years.
The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016. In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base. What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (President’s Cup).
As we embark on this exciting journey over the coming weeks, let us celebrate the beautiful game of football, honour the traditions of the Durand Cup, and look forward to witnessing moments of brilliance that will be etched in our memories forever.