6 days ago
Durand Cup 2025: Real Kashmir FC Outclass NEROCA FC To End Campaign On A High
Real Kashmir FC concluded their Durand Cup run with a 3-1 victory over NEROCA FC. The Group F winner will be determined in the Indian Navy vs TRAU FC match.
Real Kashmir FC capped off their 134th Durand Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over NEROCA FC in a Group F clash at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on Sunday, displaying a clinical edge in front of goal despite already being out of contention for the knockout stages.
The win took the I-League outfit, nicknamed the Snow Leopards, to six points from their three matches. Their hopes of progression had already been dented earlier in the group phase, but the result ensured they bowed out with momentum. The battle for top spot in Group F — and the sole quarterfinal berth — will now be decided on Tuesday when the Indian Navy faces TRAU FC.
Veteran defender Salam Ranjan Singh, making full use of his experience and aerial prowess, broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Left unmarked inside the penalty area, Singh met a perfectly delivered corner and drilled his shot past the helpless NEROCA goalkeeper to put Real Kashmir 1-0 ahead.
NEROCA, spurred on by their home supporters, responded positively. Their most promising chance of the half came when Saphaba Singh showcased his dribbling skills, weaving past two defenders to set up Arun Kumar, who fired just wide of the target.
The second half began with NEROCA ramping up the pressure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 67th minute when Saphaba threaded a precise through ball to Brazilian forward Lucas Chagas. With just the keeper to beat, Chagas kept his composure and slotted past Furqan to make it 1-1, igniting hopes of a home comeback.
Those hopes lasted barely three minutes. Real Kashmir immediately hit back from a set-piece situation. A free-kick from the right was whipped in by Rohen Singh, flicked on by Toure, and landed perfectly for Maret Tareck, who calmly finished into the far corner to restore the visitors' advantage.
As NEROCA pushed forward in search of another equaliser, they left gaps at the back. In the 82nd minute, Real Kashmir exploited that space to devastating effect. Tareck turned provider, surging down the flank before threading a pass to Modou Mbengue. The Gambian striker took a deft touch, cut inside, and fired a low drive past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1 and effectively end the contest.
A Strong Finish Despite Early Exit
While the Snow Leopards' journey in this year's Durand Cup ends in the group stage, their performance against NEROCA demonstrated the squad's attacking depth and resilience. For NEROCA, who finished with just two points from their three matches, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign.
The focus now shifts to the decisive Indian Navy vs TRAU FC fixture, which will determine who advances as Group F winners.
(with PTI inputs)
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