Durand Cup: Real Kashmir FC, Indian Navy showdown today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2025: Anticipation runs high as Real Kashmir FC and the Indian Navy are set to clash in the second match of the 134th Durand Cup Imphal Chapter at Khuman Lampak main stadium, here, on Friday.

The Imphal Chapter of the football tournament jointly organised by the Indian armed forces and state�s YAS Department kicked off on Wednesday at the same venue with the Imphal derby match between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC, which ended in 1-1 stalemate.

Real Kashmir FC head coach Ishfaq Ahmed told The People�s Chronicle that his players will capitalise on the experience gained by playing in I-League matches at Khuman Lampak main stadium in the past.

"The match against Indian Navy will be club�s (Real Kashmir FC) first match in Durand Cup but my players are confident of winning the match riding on their I-League experience," he said.

The coach also opined the that Durand Cup matches will enable him to sort out positions of his players for the next I-League season scheduled from October 19 till April 30, 2026 .

According to Ishfaq Ahmed, many experienced players of Real Kashmir FC have moved to Indian Super League sides after the club finished third in the I-League 2024-2025 season.

However, the mix of new and some experienced players are practicing hard for the Durand Cup and the team has been strengthened with the inclusion of five foreign players.

The current Real Kashmir FC team also has three talented and experienced players from Manipur namely Salam Ranjan Singh and youngsters Rohen and Robert.

Salam Ranjan has experience of playing at different clubs in the past and his inclusion boosted confidence of the team, he said adding that all his players are fit for Friday�s match and fully prepared to defeat opponent team.

On the other hand, Indian Navy head coach Raman Rai informed The People�s Chronicle that it will not be difficult for his players to adapt local conditions though their Imphal visit is for the first time.

"Indian Navy team won the 75th Inter-Services Football Championship 2023-24 and finished runners-up in Mumbai Football Association�s Corporate Cup 2023-24 season," he said, confident of his team�s strength.

Apart from having many experienced players, the team also has four young and talented players from Manipur namely W Sadananda, Danny, Jahir Khan and Gopal Tiwari, he said, adding that his players are confident of defeating opponent teams of the present tournament.

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