Could Diamond Harbour FC's Ruatkima Brace Propel Them into the Semifinals of the Durand Cup?

Jamshedpur, Aug 17 (NationPress) In a remarkable quarter-final clash at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Diamond Harbour FC achieved one of the most surprising results of the 134th Durand Cup, overcoming Jamshedpur FC with a score of 2–0 to secure a spot in the semifinals. Fueled by a sensational first-half brace from Ruatkima and supported by a stellar defensive display, the newcomers from Bengal outperformed their ISL rivals, leaving the home team and their supporters in disbelief. Despite JFC asserting possession and launching numerous attacks in the second half, Diamond Harbour's poise, discipline, and counter-attacking prowess enabled them to cling to a historic victory.

JFC interim head coach Steven Dias deployed a consistent 4-3-3 formation and introduced three changes to his starting eleven, including Japanese International Rei Tachikawa, Sreekuttan VS, and Nikhil Barla in place of Suhair VP, Kartik Choudhary, and Vincy Barretto. Meanwhile, Diamond Harbour FC Head Coach Jose Antonio Vicuna Ochandorena made five adjustments to his starting lineup, incorporating Robilal Mandi, Sairuatkima, Mirshad Koottappunna, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, and Hali Charan Narzary in place of Clayton Dasilva, Susnata Malik, Melroy Melwin Assisi, Girik Mahesh Khosla, and Naresh Singh in a 4-3-3 formation that featured the lethal trio of Luka Majcen, Hali Charan, and Jobby Justin up front.

The quarter-final showdown at the JRD Tata Sports Complex witnessed Diamond Harbour FC seize an astonishing early lead, shaking the confident home side, Jamshedpur FC. Just three minutes in, Ruatkima capitalized on a set-piece. A long throw unsettled JFC's defense, allowing the defender to go unmarked and slide home the opener.

Diamond Harbour maintained control of the tempo. A fluid move involving Luka Majcen and Jobby Justin ended with Paul unleashing a powerful long-range shot, although it lacked precision and did not trouble Jamshedpur keeper Amrit Gope. As JFC struggled for midfield cohesion, opportunities dwindled.

The home team attempted to respond as Rei's intricate run allowed him to deliver a dangerous cross picked up by Praful, but his shot soared harmlessly over the bar. Shortly after, Jayesh Rane surged forward from 25 yards and let fly, but his attempt narrowly missed, epitomizing Jamshedpur's frustrations in front of goal.

At around the 40th minute, Ruatkima struck again on the counter. Samuel lofted a cross from the right flank, deflecting into Ruatkima's path, and he clinically volleyed it into the net, doubling Diamond Harbour’s advantage and silencing the home crowd.

At halftime, Diamond Harbour seemed unstoppable. Their fluid connection, especially through Jobby Justin and Hali Charan Narzary, consistently posed a threat, although Jobby's heavy touch denied them another goal. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur, under interim coach Steven Dias, appeared shell-shocked. Despite their belief and home advantage, they lacked sharpness in front of goal.

Trailing 0–2 after Ruatkima's first-half brace, Jamshedpur FC came out aggressively after the restart, applying sustained pressure, but Diamond Harbour FC's structure held firm. VP Suhair set up Sarthak Golui, whose floated delivery zipped through the six-yard area without any takers, signaling the hosts' intent early in the half.

Sanan repeatedly attacked down the left, driving to the byline and delivering crosses that were cleared as DHFC's back line stood resolute. From deeper positions, Nishu Kumar maneuvered around two challenges and tried his luck from distance, but the effort drifted wide without forcing a save. The clearest chance came when Sanan cut inside and fired low; goalkeeper Mirshad quickly got down to parry, then sprang up to palm away Suhair’s

Ultimately, Diamond Harbour FC achieved one of the standout results of the Durand Cup to date, showcasing remarkable discipline to secure a memorable 2–0 victory over Jamshedpur FC and earn a place in the semifinals. Anchored by Ruatkima’s first-half brace and supported by a heroic defensive effort, the underdogs consistently thwarted JFC's frontline. Each counterattack, often ignited by the relentless Luka Majcen, Jobby Justin, and Hali Charan Narzary, kept the ISL side on their toes, ensuring the momentum never shifted completely. For a team making their Durand Cup debut, DHFC’s victory was not only a tactical achievement but also a declaration of intent, as they silenced the home crowd in Jamshedpur and established themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.