131st Durand Cup Group C : Army Red surprise Chennaiyin FC in thrilling 2-2 draw
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2022: Two headers after a barren first half and two stoppage time goals were order of the day as Army Red and two-time Indian Super League winners, Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw this afternoon here at Khuman Lampak in the second Group C match of the ongoing 131st Durand Cup today.

Chennaiyin FC were obviously the dominant force in the opening half enjoying more possession and better on goal chances but Army Red defence tackled well to keep threats at bay to enter into the break without much pressure.

Chennaiyin FC came close to opening the goal account as early as 30 minute when Jockson got a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a piledriver but it went wide.

Senegal import Fallou then hit the side netting in the 36th minute before Croatian Petar Sliskovic blasted another over the bar two minutes later.

Indian midfielder Anirudh Thapa who was in action all along also had a chance towards the end of the first half but Army Red custodian Bhabindra held off the charge to keep things under control.

The game came into live when Chennaiyin FC were caught napping and Army Red took the lead with Lethaolen Khongsai heading home in the 54th minute after connecting a inch perfect corner.

Army Red however lost grip on the ball as the match progressed and Chennaiyin FC after a series of close calls finally equalised late in the 89th minute.

It was also a header as Julius Vincent Duker found Anirud Thapa's comer well.

Chennaiyin FC took the lead 4 minutes into the stoppage time when Edwin Sydney Vanspaul who came off the bench after 61 minutes volleyed home latching onto a deflection following another superb comer kick taken by Anirudh Thapa.

The lead however did not last long as Liton Shil tapped in the very next minute as Chennaiyin FC defence faltered again.

It was Sushil Shah who floated in the corner and the ball flew over Debjit towards the far post to find unchecked Liton.

The game eventually ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

TRAU FC will play Hyderabad FC in the next match on August 22 .

The match starts at 3 pm .

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