Did Indian Navy FT Secure a Quarterfinal Spot with Late Goals Against TRAU FC?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Navy FT displayed resilience with a late comeback.
- Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V.G were key players in securing the win.
- The match showcased intense competition in the 134th Durand Cup.
- TRAU FC put up a strong fight but couldn't hold on to their lead.
- The Navy team finished at the top of Group F.
Imphal, Aug 12 (NationPress) A stunning comeback by Indian Navy FT saw them defeat local rivals TRAU FC 2-1, thanks to late strikes from Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V.G. This victory propelled the Navy team into the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
The match began with TRAU taking an early lead in the 29th minute, courtesy of Moirangthem Nelson Singh. However, the resilience of Indian Navy paid off when Pintu equalized in the 87th minute, followed by a dramatic winner from Sreyas in injury time, securing the top position in Group F with 7 points, ahead of Real Kashmir FC who finished with 6 points.
TRAU FC's head coach, Thangjam Saran Singh, made a necessary adjustment by substituting Dhanachandra Mutum for the suspended captain Shitaljit Atom, while Indian Navy FT's head coach Raman Rai maintained his starting lineup.
From the start, both teams exhibited a high level of intensity, with Indian Navy creating several opportunities. The pacey combination of Vijay Marandi, Roshan Panna, and Sreyas V.G posed a constant threat to the TRAU defense. Yet, the home team responded well with effective counterattacks, exploiting the gaps left by the Navy's attacking approach.
TRAU's breakthrough came unexpectedly in the 29th minute when Jenish Singh sent a long ball to Yumnam Monis Singh, who then assisted Nelson Singh for a well-placed finish past goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy.
Despite mounting pressure, Indian Navy struggled to convert their chances. The TRAU defense held firm, blocking shots and forcing Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh into crucial saves. A notable attempt from J. Vijay almost leveled the score but was denied by the goalkeeper's reflexes.
In the second half, Bhaskar Roy made an impressive save against Afridi Buyamayum’s header as Indian Navy ramped up their offensive efforts. Adarsh Matummal nearly netted a long-range free kick, striking the post, but the equalizer remained elusive until Pintu Mahata finally broke through in the 87th minute, scoring with a deft touch.
The climax came in the dying moments of the match when Sreyas V.G scored the decisive goal in the third minute of injury time, silencing the home crowd. A beautifully executed cross from C. Pradeesh was met with an acrobatic finish, sealing the victory for Indian Navy FT and confirming their place in the knockout stages.