NEROCA FC and Indian Navy FT in Goalless Durand Cup Clash

Imphal, Aug 7 (PTI) - NEROCA FC and Indian Navy FT battled to a relentless goalless stalemate in their Group F encounter of the 134th Durand Cup football tournament, with both teams securing a point each on Thursday.

Despite numerous half-chances and potential breakthroughs, neither side managed to find the decisive touch in a match characterized by intense midfield duels and strong defensive displays.

NEROCA's head coach, Gyan Moyon, made strategic adjustments to the lineup from the previous Imphal Derby, opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Goalkeeper Jetli Sorokhaibam was brought in, Gotimayum Muktasana took on a midfield role, and Brazilian Lucas Da Silva was positioned in defense.

The Indian Navy challenged early, with Deny Singh launching a right-footed shot from the wing in the 6th minute, only for Jetli Sorokhaibam to make a comfortable low dive to parry the attempt.

The Orange Brigade replied promptly in the 11th minute when a well-placed through ball set Lourembam free on the left flank. Despite a determined sprint and shot, Bhaskar Roy dealt with it proficiently.

As the match progressed, NEROCA held possession, probing the Navy's defenses with dynamic runs from Lourembam and Rohit Meetei. Nonetheless, the Navy's backline stood resilient.

Opportunities arose for the Indian Navy too, with Deny Singh expertly orchestrating from deep positions and threading passes to Sreyas, whose 27th-minute attempt lacked potency and landed directly in the goalkeeper's grasp.

The first half was marked by solid defensive maneuvers from both contingents.

The second half presented the Sailors with a prime chance in the 50th minute. Roshan Panna set up Deny Singh, whose curling shot veered wide of the target. Just minutes later, Deny had another attempt from range, but it too failed to find the mark.

NEROCA's skipper, Kinesh Singh, nearly tilted the balance in the 60th minute with a deft left-footed attempt from a lofted cross that narrowly missed.

The Sailors earned a freekick three minutes later on the edge of the box, but Adersh's strike was effectively blocked by the wall.

In the 88th minute, Indian Navy almost seized victory when substitute Sadananda Singh lofted an ideal pass to an unmarked Sreyas in front of the goal, his effort hit the post, denying the Navy. Soon after, Gomado found himself in a similar position at the opposite end, but shot wide.

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