Did Rangdajied Hold NEUFC While Indian Army Exits Despite Comeback?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rangdajied United FC held the defending champions to a draw.
- The Indian Army Football Team showcased resilience with a comeback.
- NorthEast United FC remains unbeaten heading into the quarterfinals.
- Rangdajied earned their first point but still exited the tournament.
- Indian Army's elimination was due to goal difference despite their efforts.
Shillong, Aug 11 (NationPress) In a thrilling day of football, Shillong and Jamshedpur experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as Rangdajied United FC managed to hold the reigning champions NorthEast United FC to a 2–2 stalemate during the Durand Cup. Meanwhile, the Indian Army Football Team faced an unfortunate exit from the tournament, despite a remarkable comeback victory.
At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Bekey Oram put NEUFC ahead early with a penalty kick, but Rangdajied United showcased their determination. Midway through the first half, Manbhakupar Iawphniaw equalized by taking advantage of a defensive error, and just before halftime, Danzel Umdor put the hosts in the lead.
However, the Highlanders maintained their composure in the second half, with Jairo's well-placed shot securing the draw and preserving their unbeaten status as they moved into the quarterfinals. Despite their spirited effort and earning their first point of the tournament, Rangdajied had to bow out.
Earlier in Jamshedpur, the Indian Army pulled off an impressive comeback at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. After trailing 0–2 to 1 Ladakh FC, they rallied back to score four consecutive goals. A powerful header from Sama and an opportunistic goal from Abhishek leveled the match before halftime. In the second half, a penalty by Christopher Kamei and a header from Rahul Ramakrishnan clinched a 4–2 victory.
This win brought the Indian Army to six points, tying them with other teams in contention for the two coveted second-placed quarterfinal spots. However, their +2 goal difference was not enough, ending their journey on a bittersweet note.
As the day concluded, NorthEast United advanced to the knockout stage unbeaten, while Rangdajied and the Indian Army departed the competition.