Imphal, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) achieved a vital 2-1 victory against I-League's Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) in a fiercely competitive Group F match of the 134th Durand Cup. This win marks the team's first success in the tournament since 2021, held at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday.

Scoring for the Sailors were Vijay Marandi (6’) and Sreyas V.G. (70’), while Franck William Sessegnon netted a consolation goal for the Snow Leopards in the 64th minute.

Under the guidance of head coach Raman Rai, the Indian Navy adopted a classic 4-3-3 formation, with Bhaskar Roy defending the goal while the attacking trio comprised Sreyas V.G., Roshan Panna, and Vijay Marandi. On the opposing side, Ishfaq Ahmed led Real Kashmir with a strong 4-3-2-1 formation, featuring Russian striker Marat Tareck along with midfielders Modou Mbengue and Franck William Sessegnon.

The Sailors took an early lead in the 6th minute thanks to Roshan Panna, who made an impressive run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box. Vijay Marandi timed his entry perfectly, nudging the ball in with his knee to score, igniting cheers from the local supporters.

Responding with urgency, Real Kashmir's Sessegnon and Tareck orchestrated several attacks, but Bhaskar Roy stood resolute in goal. The Snow Leopards nearly equalized on multiple occasions, with a strong run by Tareck and a near-perfect through ball from Sessegnon to Ahteeb in the 22nd minute, though they couldn't convert.

The first half concluded with Navy leading 1-0. Ahteeb was denied twice, once by a close save from Bhaskar and again when he misfired just before the half-time whistle.

Real Kashmir came back strong in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch. Their efforts paid off when Sessegnon equalized in the 64th minute, making a quick run behind Navy’s defense to connect with a brilliant long ball from Seila Toure, finishing confidently past Bhaskar.

However, the Sailors swiftly regained their lead. Just six minutes later in the 70th minute, Roshan Panna once again provided an assist, delivering a low diagonal pass to Sreyas V.G. inside the right edge of the box, who finished expertly with his right foot, restoring Navy's advantage at 2-1.

Despite several substitutions from Real Kashmir bringing fresh energy, the Navy defense, led by Novin Gurung and Adarsh Mattummal, held strong. Novin was particularly impressive, executing crucial interceptions and acrobatic clearances to maintain the lead.

The match continued with both teams generating half-chances, but neither side could convert any further opportunities. Ultimately, the Indian Navy secured all three points, climbing to the top of Group F.