Durand Cup 2025: Lawmsangzuala hat-trick fires Jamshedpur FC to 6-0 rout of Indian Air Force FT
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jamshedpur FC dismantled Indian Air Force FT with a commanding 6-0 victory in their final Group C fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday, 13 August. A blistering second-half display, anchored by a stunning 25-minute hat-trick from 17-year-old Lawmsangzuala and four assists from playmaker Aman C.K., cemented the Red Miners' status as contenders for a quarterfinal berth.
How the Goals Fell
Raynier Fernandes broke the deadlock as early as the fourth minute, latching onto a defence-splitting run from Aman C.K. to finish calmly and put Jamshedpur ahead. Despite their dominance, the Red Miners were pegged at 1-0 at the interval after Aman Khan spurned a gilt-edged chance to equalise from the rebound of a parried shot.
The second half was a different story entirely. Lawmsangzuala, introduced after the break, converted a precise Aman C.K. cross in the 55th minute to double the lead. The teenager struck again in the 64th minute, completing a swift combination to make it 3-0. Aman C.K. then got on the scoresheet himself in the 71st minute, turning inside the box to slot a composed left-footed finish after Fernandes unselfishly squared the ball. Lawmsangzuala completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute with a powerful point-blank header from Aman's fourth assist of the afternoon. 17-year-old substitute Rayan C. added gloss to the scoreline in the 84th minute, drilling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner after being teed up by Lawmsangzuala.
Aman C.K.'s Playmaking Masterclass
Aman C.K. was the architect of the victory, registering four assists and a goal across the ninety minutes. His ability to stretch the Air Force defence with direct runs down the right flank and deliver incisive crosses repeatedly exposed gaps that Lawmsangzuala and others exploited. It was a display that underscored his growing importance to Jamshedpur's attacking system.
A Star Is Born: Lawmsangzuala's 25-Minute Blitz
The standout story of the evening was undoubtedly Lawmsangzuala, who scored three goals in just 25 minutes after coming on as a substitute. At just 17 years old, the teenager showed remarkable composure — finishing from close range twice before sealing his hat-trick with a commanding header. Notably, Indian Air Force FT goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil produced several impressive saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, underscoring just how relentless Jamshedpur's attacking pressure was.
Quarterfinal Picture
The 6-0 win moved Jamshedpur FC into second place among the best second-placed teams in the tournament, behind East Bengal FC. Their passage to the quarterfinals, however, was not yet confirmed at the final whistle — it hinged on the result of the concluding Group D match between Shillong Lajong and Langsning FC scheduled for later that evening. A favourable outcome in that fixture would seal Jamshedpur's place in the last eight of the 135th Durand Cup.