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Inter Kashi FC – 2 (Stojanovic 65’, Tomba 66’) Indian Navy FT – 1 (Novin 52’)
Kolkata, August 9, 2024: Inter Kashi defeated Indian Navy FT(INFT) 2-1, to keep their knockout hopes alive in Group B of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, played here at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The Navy Men took the lead in the 52nd minute through Novin Gurung but two quick fire goals by Nikola Stojanovic and the substitute Tomba Singh, ensured Inter Kashi registered their first ever Durand Cup victory and finished their debut campaign with four points.
All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup are beingbroadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform
The Raman Rai coached INFT started with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Sreyas leading the attack and with Britto and Vijay on the wings. Inter Kashi played a 4-3-3 formation with the likes of Sweden, Edmund, and Mario Barco leading the attack line for them.
Inter Kashi tested the Navy defence throughout the first half but keeper Vishnu and their defence led by skipper Novin Gurung,kept managed to keep all dangers at bay. Vishnu made some crucial saves. Inter Kashi put a lot of pressure, especially during the dying stages of the first half, but they could not change the scoreline.
On resumption, it was the Navymen who appeared to be quicker off the blocks and created quite a few chances. They drew first blood from a set-piece after Vijay was brought down by Mandi, just outside the box on the right. Pintu Mahata’s delivery was brilliantly met by a leaping Gurung, who deflected a powerful header past Kashi keeper Shubham Das, even though he managed to get a hand to it.
In the 59th minute, Navy keeper Vishnu was substituted due to an injury and R. Robinson came in place. Inter Kashi equalisedsoon after in the 65th minute, thanks to a long-ranger by the Serbian Nikola Stojanovic, for his second goal of the tournament.
Inter Kashi struck again in the very next minute as Tomba Singh headed in a rebound which came off the post from another effort by Stojanovic and the comeback was complete.
The Varanasi based side then continued to apply pressure on the defence to find a third goal but couldn’t create any clear chances as they held on to the one-goal advantage for a win.
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.