How Did Namdhari Secure Their Opening Victory Against South United in the 134th Durand Cup?

Kolkata, July 30 (NationPress) In an exciting clash of newcomers, I-League team Namdhari Sports Academy triumphed with two late second-half goals from Bhupinder and Brazilian Cledson Dasilva in their opening match against Bengaluru’s South United FC (SUFC) during the 10th match of the ongoing 134th Durand Cup at the picturesque Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) on Wednesday.

This result leaves SUFC finishing their inaugural Durand Cup campaign with just a single point in Group A after participating in all three matches. Meanwhile, Namdhari will draw confidence from this victory as they prepare for more significant challenges ahead in their quest for knockout qualification. South United, donning their characteristic orange for the first time, struggled to shift their fortunes but showcased a spirited performance.

Coach Kaja Bhadussa of SUFC even made the bold decision to substitute keeper Nishanth for Sunil Singh, marking one of five changes made since their previous draw against the Indian Air Force. Despite Sunil's commendable effort in goal, it ultimately wasn’t sufficient.

The I-League squad, led by Harpreet Singh with foreign players Cledson upfront and Ghanaian Lamine Moro anchoring the defense, proved to be more seasoned and structured, which became evident as the match progressed.

Aatma Singh attempted the first shot on goal in the 10th minute, forcing Sunil to make a superb save. This was just the beginning of a series of impressive stops by Sunil. The two teams then engaged in end-to-end football, entering halftime with the score still tied. Harpreet made two tactical changes at halftime, bringing in Dharampreet for attack and Akashdeep for defense, indicating a desire for a breakthrough. Dharampreet’s introduction significantly increased Namdhari’s attacking momentum.

Leading up to the first goal, Lotjem was thwarted by Sunil in the 69th minute, and Cledson squandered a couple of opportunities, including one saved by Sunil.

Bhupinder’s relentless runs from the right flank finally paid off as he drove into the box and cut back for Dharampreet. Rowan attempted to clear the shot but only succeeded in knocking it back to Bhupinder, who unleashed a powerful strike into the near post beyond Sunil’s reach.

This goal instilled confidence in Namdhari, prompting them to intensify their attacks. Six minutes later, Amandeep set up Bhupinder on the right, and a mishandled clearance by Rowan, who otherwise performed admirably, allowed Cledson to capitalize and score from close range.

This victory places both Emami East Bengal FC and Namdhari at three points, with East Bengal leading on goal difference. The Indian Air Force still has two matches remaining, while SUFC concludes their campaign.

On Thursday, local powerhouses Mohun Bagan Super Giant will make their first appearance in this year’s competition against Mohammedan Sporting in a crucial Group B showdown at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.