131st Durand Cup : NEROCA FC out wit TRAU FC to win opening match
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 18 2022:
NEROCA FC gave a stunning performance as they beat TRAU FC 3-1 in the opening match of Manipur Chapter of 131st Durand Cup today at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
The Manipur Chapter of Durand Cup, which is third oldest tournament in the world and oldest in Asia and organised by Indian Armed Forces was inaugurated today by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey as distinguished guests today at 6 pm.
The inaugural match which showed fans of both teams and football fans in general turning up for the game in thousands, many had to return home in dismay despite possessing valid tickets.
It was a blatant display of gross mismanagement and public's lack of discipline that was visible today at Khuman Lampak.
As the public tried to get inside the stadium, there was a stampede-like situation in the inner gates as the proper queue system went berserk.
After an initial lead ftom Tangva's goal, Neroca conceded one, but soon made a comeback with two goals to win the Imphal derby 3-1 in the Durand Cup.
TRAU FC had several opportunities during the first five minutes of the gave but NEROCA's GK Poirei stood like a wall as he denied TRAU FC's striker any chance to open their account.
The first goal of the match came in the 15th minute of the game as NEROCA FC's midfielder Ragui materialised a parallel pass from Lunminlal giving NEROCA the lead.
The lead however didn't last long as TRAU FC's striker Komron converted a goal on a long ball assist from his teammate M Gogoi in the 19th minute of the game to level the score.
With roars of support and cheers from the crowds, both teams tried to give their best.
However, in the 39th minute of the game, NEROCA's Thomyo, taking advantage of a gap in TRAU FC's line of defence, managed to net in the second goal for his team.
The first half ended in a 2-1 lead for NEROCA.
Yet another mistake by Manas in the 49th minute of the game while passing back the ball to TRAU FC GK Bishorjit caused them a third setback as NEROCA forward John Chidi made no mistake in seizing the opportunity and netting the third goal for NEROCA.
Chidi's goal was the final nail in the coffin as TRAU FC failed to create any opportunity to level the score.
NEROCA FC's line-up included Poirei, James, Mang, Remi, Talgat T Uulu, Tomdomba, John Chidi, Thomyo, Lunminlal, Paogoumang and Tangva.
TRAU FC fielded Bishoijit, M Gogoi, Gerard, Kishan, Komron, L Milan, Roger, Naresh, Khanngam and Johnson.