Jamshedpur FC Triumphs: Defeats Indian Army in Durand Cup

Jamshedpur, Jul 29 (PTI) Sanan Mohammed's decisive strike in the second half secured a narrow 1–0 victory for Jamshedpur FC over the Indian Army, marking their second straight win in Group C of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament on Tuesday.

With this triumph at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur FC ascended to the top of the group, boasting six points from two matches, bringing them closer to a spot in the knockout stages.

In the opening half, the Indian Army dominated proceedings, controlling possession and creating superior scoring opportunities. Samir Murmu nearly put them ahead twice within the first 15 minutes, but his attempt from a tight angle narrowly missed the far post.

Soon after, Samananda Singh sent a header wide from a corner kick, as Jamshedpur FC struggled to contend with the Army's physical style, particularly in midfield where Lethaolen Khongsai and P Christopher Kamei orchestrated the pace of attacks.

The Red Miners resorted to long balls and throw-ins to bypass the staunch Army defense, albeit with limited success. Goalkeeper Amrit Gope kept Jamshedpur in the game with a fingertip save, denying Army captain Sunil in added time of the first half, ensuring the score remained level at the break.

The home side finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. A move originating from a long throw saw Karthik Choudhary head the ball into the danger zone, which Sanan Mohammed expertly controlled before slotting it past a diving Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir.

With the lead, Jamshedpur maintained better control, although the Indian Army continued to enjoy more possession and shots on goal, few tested the goalkeeper significantly.

The Army's best chance to equalize came when Liton Shil's powerful long-range effort crashed against the crossbar late in the second half.

Drama ensued towards the match's end as Indian Army goalkeeper Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir received a red card for fouling Jayesh Rane outside the box, after Rane burst through after beating the offside trap.

In the closing minutes of injury time, defender Samananda Singh took over as goalkeeper as the Indian Army pressed for an equalizer. Suhair struck the crossbar in the dying moments, but Jamshedpur FC withstood the final onslaught to secure a hard-fought victory and three valuable points.

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