Durand Cup: NEROCA FC remain winless after draw with Navy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 07 2025: NEROCA FC and Indian Navy FT shared the spoils in a goalless draw in their Group F encounter at the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite flashes of attacking intent, both sides were left to rue missed chances in a match dominated by mid-held battles and solid defensive organisation.

The draw leaves Indian Navy FT atop Group F with four points from two matches, while NEROCA remain winless with two draws.

Indian Navy next face TRAU FC on August 12, with NEROCA set to take on Real Kashmir FC on August 10.NEROCA head coach Gyan Moyon made three changes from the Imphal Derby, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Durand Cup: NEROCA FC remain winless after draw with Navy

Jetli Sorokhaibam returned in goal, Gotimayum Muktasana was introduced in midfield, and Brazilian Lucas Da Silva slotted into the backline.

Indian Navy, meanwhile, retained their winning XI, sticking to a 4-3-3 setup with captain Bhaskar Roy in goal, flanked by Vijay Marandi and Sreyas, with Roshan Panna leading the line.

The match began with intent.

Indian Navy's Deny Singh fired a right-footed effort in the 6th minute, forcing Sorokhaibam into a low save.

NEROCA responded five minutes later through Lourembam, whose effort was comfortably gathered by Bhaskar Roy.

NEROCA enjoyed more possession in the first half, with Lourembam and Rohit Meetei probing down the flanks.

However, Navy's defence, led by the disciplined Marandi and supported by a compact midfield, remained resolute.

At the other end, Deny Singh looked sharp in midfield, creating several chances for Sreyas, who failed to convert.

Defenders Lucas Da Silva and Japes impressed for NEROCA, intercepting key passes and handling aerial threats with composure.

The second half mirrored the first in intensity.

Deny Singh came close twice - first with a curling shot in the 50th minute and again from distance three minutes later - but failed to hit the target.

NEROCA's skipper Kamesh Singh nearly broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, narrowly missing with a left-footed effort.

Indian Navy responded with a freekick from Adersh, which struck the wall.

The best chance of the match came in the 88th minute when substitute Sadananda Singh's delivery found Sreyas unmarked inside the box, only for the forward to strike the post.

Moments later, NEROCA's Gomado had a similar opening but fired wide.

In stoppage time, Zlex was shown a straight red card for a tactical foul on Roshan Panna during a Navy counterattack.

Pintu's resulting freekick posed no threat as the match ended 0-0 .