Indian Navy labour to 2-1 win over Real Kashmir in Durand Cup clash
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 01 2025: Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) claimed a crucial 2-1 win against I-League side Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) in a tightly contested Group F fixture of the 134th Indian-Oil Durand Cup on Friday at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

This was the INFT's first victory in the tournament since 2021 .

Early and late strikes from Vijay Marandi (6') and Sreyas V G (70') secured the three points for the Navy, while Franck William Sessegnon's 64th-minute goal proved only a consolation for the Snow Leopards.

Head coach Raman Rai set up the Indian Navy in a 4-3-3 formation, with captain Bhaskar Roy between the posts and a front three of Sreyas VG, Roshan Panna, and Vijay Marandi leading the line.

In contrast, Real Kashmir's Ishfaq Ahmed opted for a technically proficient 4-3-2-1 setup, with Russian forward Marat Tareck spearheading the attack, supported by midfielders Modou Mbengue and Franck William Sessegnon.

The Sailors seized an early advantage in the 6th minute when Roshan Panna surged down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint low cross.

Marandi timed his run perfectly and bundled the ball home with his knee, sending the crowd into raptures.

Real Kashmir responded with Sessegnon and Tareck combining well to create chances, but Roy stood firm in goal.

The Snow Leopards came closest in the 22nd minute when Sessegnon slipped a superb through ball to Ahteeb, who fired just wide.

The first half was an end-to-end affair, but the Navy held their 1-0 lead into the break.

Ahteeb remained a persistent threat, denied first by Roy's sharp save and then by a wayward finish just before half-time.

Real Kashmir started the second half strongly and found their equaliser in the 64th minute.

Sessegnon latched onto a lofted pass from Seila Toure and coolly slotted past Roy to level the score.

However, the Sailors responded swiftly.

Just six minutes later, Panna turned provider again, whipping a sharp diagonal ball into the box.

Sreyas VG controlled it expertly before firing a clinical finish into the net to restore Navy's lead at 2-1 .

Despite Real Kashmir throwing on fresh legs in search of a late leveller, the Navy defence held firm.

Centre-backs Novin Gurung and Adarsh Mattummal were outstanding, with Gurung making several crucial interceptions and acrobatic clearances.

Both sides pushed for further goals in a frenetic finale, but the scoreline remained unchanged.

The victory propelled the Indian Navy to the top of Group F, marking a triumphant return to winning ways in the Durand Cup.

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