DURAND CUP 2025: Imphal derby ends in stalemate as NEROCA hold 10-man TRAU
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 30 2025: The much-anticipated Imphal derby lived up to expectations as NEROCA FC salvaged a dramatic 1-1 draw against a 10-man TRAU FC in their Group F opener of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, held at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday.

TRAU took the lead through a second-half strike from Khunjamayum Raj Singh, but a last-gasp equaliser in stoppage time by substitute Arun-kumar Singh denied them all three points in what was a fiercely contested encounter.

TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh named an all-Indian starting XI, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Nepolean Morangthem spearheading the attack.

In contrast, NEROCA coach Gyan Moyon deployed a robust 4-4-2 setup, including foreign recruits Jackson Emmanuel Gomado, Mark Harrison Junior, and Ekomobong Victor Philip to strengthen the frontline.

NEROCA started brightly, pressing high and setting the early tempo.

DURAND CUP 2025: Imphal derby ends in stalemate as NEROCA hold 10-man TRAU

Their first notable chance came within minutes, when captain Angom Kinesh Singh's shot was blocked by TRAU defender Rakesh, with Harrison sending the rebound wide.

Gradually, TRAU began to assert themselves, enjoying more possession in midfield.

However, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with no shots on target recorded in the opening half-hour.

TRAU favoured a possession-based build-up, while NEROCA looked to hit on the counter.

The packed stadium, buzzing with vocal local supporters, added intensity to the proceedings.

Tactical discipline and physical challenges characterised a gritty first half that ended goalless.

The second period began with renewed urgency.

In the 47th minute, NEROCA's Roger Khuman had an effort blocked, while further attempts from Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes failed to find the target.

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute, when TRAU s right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh ventured forward and curled in what appeared to be a cross from the byline.

The ball evaded everyone, nestling into the far corner past NEROCA goalkeeper Santosh Singh to give TRAU the lead.

NEROCA responded with urgency.

Japes nearly broke through in the 62nd minute, but TRAU's defence, marshalled by Dhananjoy Singh, held firm.

Gomado also saw his 68th-minute shot blocked by the resilient TRAU backline.

Tensions escalated in the 73rd minute when TRAU's Dhanachandra Mutum received a second yellow card and was dismissed, reducing his side to 10 men.

With numerical advantage, NEROCA intensified their search for an equaliser.

Substitute Zlex Mangang was denied at close range by Akash Meetei, and in the 86th minute, TRAU goalkeeper Sapam Singh produced a sensational save to keep out a powerful header from Arunkumar Singh.

As the match entered stoppage time, TRAU retreated to defend their slender advantage.

However, in the 96th minute, NEROCA's persistence paid off.

Zlex delivered a cross from the left, which Waikhom headed across goal for Arunkumar Singh to dive and nod home into the bottom corner, sparking jubilant scenes, as both sides started their Group F campaign with a point apiece.

All 43 fixtures of the tournament are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 HD) and streamed via the SonyLiv OTT platform.