Durand Cup: TRAU, Real Kashmir seek first win; Mohun Bagan eye top spot
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 03 2025: Matchday 12 of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, set for Monday (August 4, 2025) promises high-stakes action as two pivotal group-stage encounters take centre stage.

In Imphal, home favourites TRAU FC will look to reignite their campaign against Real Kashmir FC, while later in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan Super Giants aim to maintain their momentum against the Border Security Force Football Team (BSF FT).

The Group F clash between TRAU FC and Real Kashmir will kick off at 4:00 pm at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal.

The second fixture of the day, featuring Mohun Bagan and BSF FT, is scheduled for a 7:00 pm start at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) .

TRAU vs Real Kashmir

Both TRAU FC and Real Kashmir FC will be eager to secure their first win of the tournament to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

TRAU were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening match against city rivals Neroca FC, while Real Kashmir suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Indian Navy.

TRAU, fielding an all-Indian squad under head coach Thangjam Saran Singh, delivered an energetic performance in the Imphal derby.

They took the lead through an impressive effort by right-back Raj, who scored from a wide overlap.

However, a red card to winger Dhanachandra forced them to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men, and NEROCA FC eventually equalised in the dying moments.

Real Kashmir FC, returning to the competition after six years, appeared somewhat rusty under new coach Ishfaque Ahmed.

Despite a promising goal from their African recruits, they were edged out by a disciplined Indian Navy side.

Ishfaque will be looking to tighten his team's defensive organisation as they seek a maiden victory.

Mohun Bagan aim to stay on course

In the day's second fixture, Mohun Bagan Super Giants will aim to build on their winning start and set up a potential group-deciding clash with in-form debutants Diamond Harbour FC.

Bagan opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over city rivals Mohammedan Sporting, despite being reduced to 10 men early in the match.

Liston Colaco starred with a brace and an assist, underlining the attacking depth of Bastab Roy's side.

By contrast, their opponents BSF FT suffered a heavy 8-1 defeat in their opener against I-League 2 champions Diamond Harbour FC and will face an uphill battle against the Kolkata heavyweights.

With Diamond Harbour already on two wins and a healthy goal difference, Mohun Bagan will be under pressure not just to win, but to do so convincingly in order to carry momentum into the crucial clash ahead.

Both fixtures on Monday are expected to have significant implications for the final group standings.

All 43 matches of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 HD) and streamed on the Sony Liv OTT platform.

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