Durand Cup 2025: TRAU FC vs NEROCA FC derby ends goalless at packed Khuman Lampak
Synopsis
The Imphal derby at the 135th Durand Cup had all the ingredients for a classic — packed stands, foreign stars, a red card, and a string of brilliant saves — but neither TRAU FC nor NEROCA FC could find the decisive moment. TRAU's ten-man defence ultimately denied NEROCA a winner they deserved on the balance of second-half play.
Key Takeaways
TRAU FC and NEROCA FC drew 0-0 in the 135th Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium , Imphal, on 28 July .
Adriko Rogers (TRAU FC) was shown a second yellow card and red, leaving TRAU with ten men in the second half.
TRAU FC goalkeeper Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh made multiple crucial saves to deny NEROCA FC a winner.
Both coaches deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with key overseas players in central roles.
Next fixture: Indian Air Force FT vs Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) , 29 July , 7:00 PM , Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi.
TRAU FC and NEROCA FC played out a fiercely contested goalless draw in the 135th Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Tuesday, 28 July, with both sides squandering several clear-cut chances in a match that had everything but a goal. The Imphal derby lived up to its billing before a packed home crowd, featuring end-to-end action, resolute defending, and a second-half red card that left TRAU FC battling with ten men.
Team Lineups and Tactical Setup
Both coaches deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritising defensive shape while remaining a threat on the break. TRAU FC head coach Thangjam Saran Singh built his side around a foreign spine — Senegalese defender Seila Toure anchored the backline, Ugandan midfielder Adriko Rogers controlled the centre of the park, and Liberian striker Ghanefo Ansumana Kromah led the attack.
NEROCA FC head coach Yumnam Raju Mangang similarly leaned on overseas talent, with Ghanaian defender Ben Nash Quansh marshalling the defence and Ghanaian forward Charles Teiko Folley serving as the focal point up front, supported by a disciplined midfield unit.
First-Half Highlights
The opening period was evenly contested, with both sides creating opportunities through set-pieces and quick transitions. The first genuine chance fell to NEROCA FC from a corner — after an initial header was cleared, Sridarth Nongmeikam struck a powerful follow-up that was brilliantly saved by the TRAU goalkeeper.
TRAU FC responded almost immediately. Seila Toure rose to meet a corner delivery with a firm header, only for the effort to crash off the post. Afridi Buyamayum then burst through the middle and unleashed a long-range drive that flashed narrowly wide. Despite sustained pressure from both sides through counter-attacks, set-pieces, and possession spells, the first half ended scoreless.
Second Half: Red Card and Missed Chances
NEROCA FC came out with greater intent after the interval. Lambalmayum Hemba Meetei delivered an inviting cross from the right for Charles Teiko Folley, whose powerful header was brilliantly kept out by TRAU goalkeeper Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh. The skipper also denied substitute Ngathem Imarson Meitei's precise pass to Sridarth Nongmeikapam, who could not convert the rebound.
NEROCA FC won a dangerous free-kick around 25 yards out after Ronaldo Wairokpam was penalised for a high boot on Folley. Meitei curled a powerful effort goalward, but the TRAU goalkeeper produced another diving save to push the ball away.
The match turned when Adriko Rogers was shown a second yellow card, followed by a red, after a heated exchange with the referee, reducing TRAU FC to ten men. NEROCA FC pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, with Ben Nash Quansh coming closest from a corner but failing to direct his header on target. TRAU FC's defence, despite the numerical disadvantage, held firm to secure a hard-fought point.
What's Next in the Durand Cup
The tournament continues on Wednesday, 29 July, with Indian Air Force FT taking on Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) at 7:00 PM at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi. The Imphal derby result means both TRAU FC and NEROCA FC will need wins in their subsequent fixtures to strengthen their positions in the group standings.
Point of View
Both teams left points — and potentially a group berth — on the table.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the TRAU FC vs NEROCA FC Durand Cup 2025 match?
TRAU FC and NEROCA FC drew 0-0 in the 135th Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on 28 July . Despite several clear chances for both sides, neither team could find the net.
Why was TRAU FC reduced to ten men?
TRAU FC midfielder Adriko Rogers was shown a second yellow card, followed by a red, after a heated exchange with the referee in the second half. TRAU FC held on for a draw despite the numerical disadvantage.
Who were the standout performers in the TRAU vs NEROCA derby?
TRAU FC goalkeeper Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh was the standout, making multiple crucial saves to deny NEROCA FC. Seila Toure hit the post with a header for TRAU, while Charles Teiko Folley and Sridarth Nongmeikapam came closest for NEROCA.
Where is the 135th Durand Cup being played?
The 135th Durand Cup is being played across multiple venues in India. The TRAU FC vs NEROCA FC match was held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal , Manipur. Other fixtures are scheduled at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi , among other venues.
What are the next matches in the 135th Durand Cup?
On 29 July , Indian Air Force FT will face Defenders FC (Sri Lanka) at 7:00 PM at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi. Both TRAU FC and NEROCA FC will be looking to secure wins in their upcoming group-stage fixtures.
