Imphal, Aug 4 (NationPress) A breathtaking long-distance strike by midfielder Rohen Singh made all the difference as Real Kashmir FC triumphed over a determined TRAU FC with a score of 2-1 in an exhilarating Group F clash of the 134th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Monday.

The match ignited with two rapid goals in the 24th and 26th minutes, first from Real Kashmir’s Marat Tareck and shortly after from TRAU’s Afridi Buyamayum, setting the stage for an intense showdown in front of over 20,000 enthusiastic spectators. However, it was Rohen’s 64th-minute thunderbolt from outside the box that ultimately secured the win for the Snow Leopards, earning them three critical points despite TRAU's valiant efforts.

The contest began at a breakneck pace, with both teams eager to assert their dominance early on. TRAU created the first significant opportunity in the 13th minute when Afridi broke through, but Real Kashmir’s goalkeeper Furqan Ahmad Dar was alert, making a brave save.

TRAU maintained possession and persistently probed the Real Kashmir defense with clever plays and wing movements. Yet, it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 24th minute against the run of play. A perfectly lofted ball from midfielder Rohen found Marat Tareck in the box, who coolly slotted it past Sapam Singh to give Real Kashmir a 1-0 lead.

TRAU quickly responded after the restart. Monis Singh dashed down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing Afridi to finish with poise, leveling the score at 1-1 just a minute later.

The match maintained its end-to-end nature, with TRAU appearing sharper on the wings, combining well through Monis, Dhananjoy, and Nelson. A long-range attempt from captain Shitaljit Atom in first-half stoppage time was blocked, as both teams went into halftime locked at 1-1 after an electrifying 45 minutes.

Real Kashmir emerged stronger in the second half and almost reclaimed the lead in the 52nd minute when Tareck’s header from a looping cross by Mohammad Asrar was saved by Sapam Singh. Both teams exchanged attacks, but the final pass frequently went astray.

In the 64th minute, the Snow Leopards capitalized on sustained pressure. Sessegnon set up Rohen at the edge of the box, and the midfielder unleashed a ferocious strike into the net, making it 2-1.

Real Kashmir nearly extended their lead a minute later when substitute Ahteeb Ahmad connected with a clever ball from Tareck, but his chipped shot went inches wide.

TRAU's hopes suffered a blow in the 77th minute when captain Shitaljit Atom was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving the home side with ten men. Despite this setback, TRAU attempted to counterattack, but Real Kashmir's defense, led by Siela Toure, stood firm.

In the closing moments, both teams pushed for goals—Real Kashmir sought a third while TRAU aimed to salvage a point—but neither side could find the net.

Upon the final whistle, it was Ishfaq Ahmed’s team that celebrated victory, claiming three vital points in this fiercely contested Group F battle. TRAU FC, despite their moments of brilliance and strong home support, were left to lament missed opportunities and a costly red card.

Real Kashmir will next face NEROCA FC on August 10, while TRAU FC will look to regroup before their upcoming match against Indian Navy FT on August 12.