How Did NEROCA FC Snatch a Late Draw Against TRAU FC in the 134th Durand Cup?

Imphal, July 30 (NationPress) NEROCA FC managed to secure a thrilling 1-1 stalemate against 10-man TRAU FC in their Group E opener, as the Imphal Derby delivered excitement during the 134th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Wednesday. A second-half goal from Khunjamayum Raj Singh put TRAU ahead, but a late equaliser by Arunkumar Singh snatched away their hopes of a full victory in this fiercely contested match.

The game commenced with NEROCA FC asserting pressure and controlling the pace early on. Their first significant opportunity arose within the initial minutes when their captain Angom Kinesh Singh's attempt was thwarted by TRAU’s defender Rakesh, allowing Mark Harrison to shoot the rebound off-target.

As the match unfolded, TRAU found their footing, establishing midfield dominance and enjoying a phase of possession, although both teams faced challenges in generating clear chances. TRAU adopted a possession-oriented strategy while NEROCA aimed to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Despite moments of attacking flair, neither side managed to register a shot on target in the opening half-hour.

The charged atmosphere within the stadium, filled with enthusiastic local fans, intensified the derby spirit. The tactical discipline displayed by both teams contributed to a gritty and physical first half, which concluded without goals despite the high stakes.

The second half commenced with the same intensity. In the 47th minute, NEROCA’s Roger Khuman had an effort blocked, followed by missed opportunities from Mark Harrison and Nongthongbam Japes.

TRAU finally unlocked the scoring in the 58th minute. Right-back Khunjamayum Raj Singh made a forward run from near the corner flag, delivering what appeared to be a cross that unexpectedly curled into the net, eluding NEROCA keeper Santosh Singh, and giving TRAU a 1-0 advantage.

In response, NEROCA pushed for a quick equaliser, with Japes almost getting through in the 62nd minute, but TRAU’s defense, led by Dhananjoy Singh, stood tall. Another attempt by Jackson Gomado in the 68th minute met the same fate, blocked by TRAU’s resilient defense.

In a twist of fate, the 73rd minute saw TRAU’s Dhanachandra Mutum receive a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten players for the remaining minutes.

The match escalated in urgency as NEROCA pressed for an equaliser. Substitute Zlex Mangang made a run into the box but was superbly denied by Akash Meetei. In the 86th minute, TRAU's goalkeeper Sapam Singh executed a remarkable save to his left, thwarting a powerful header from substitute Arunkumar Singh.

As the game approached stoppage time, TRAU retreated to defend their narrow lead. However, NEROCA finally broke through in the 96th minute after a meticulously crafted build-up. A cross from the left by Zlex was expertly headed across the goal by NFC player Waikhom to Arunkumar Singh, who timed his dive impeccably to nod the ball into the bottom corner, securing a dramatic equaliser.

TRAU FC will feel the sting of conceding so late after a hard-fought performance, while NEROCA FC can take pride in their resilient comeback, as both teams commenced their Group E journey with a point each.