It was a day of contrasting fortunes for two Indian teams at the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup on Friday. While Diamond Harbour FC steamrolled BSF Football Club with an 8-1 scoreline in Kolkata, the Indian Navy side edged out Real Kashmir FC 2-1 in a tense Group F clash in Imphal.
DaSilva leads DHFC goal spree
At the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Diamond Harbour FC showcased ruthless attacking flair, dismantling BSF FC to register their second consecutive win in Group B. Brazilian striker Clayton DaSilva was the star of the evening, netting four goals (2’, 35’, 71’, 90+3’) in a commanding display.
Slovenian forward Luka Majcen chipped in with two more (7’, 39’), while Paul Ramfangzauva (53’) and Jobby Justin (67’) added their names to the scoresheet. BSF’s only goal came in the final minute, courtesy of Kishori, but it did little to take the sting out of the defeat.
The massive win puts Diamond Harbour FC on top of their group with six points from two matches. Their final group stage showdown against reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant on August 9 is now set up to decide the table topper.
Navy seal hard-fought win over Real Kashmir
Earlier in the day in Imphal, the Indian Navy football team began their campaign with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over I-League outfit Real Kashmir FC. The win marked their first success in the tournament since 2021.
Vijay Marandi gave Navy the lead in the sixth minute, finishing off a smart low cross from Roshan Panna. Real Kashmir regrouped in the second half and equalised through Ivorian midfielder Franck William Sessegnon in the 64th minute, following a perfectly timed pass from Seila Toure.
But Navy regained their advantage just six minutes later when Roshan Panna once again set up the winner. This time, it was Sreyas VG who calmly slotted home from the edge of the box to make it 2-1.
The result lifts Indian Navy’s morale as they look to build momentum in Group F, while Real Kashmir will now need to bounce back quickly to stay in contention.
Two wins, two stories
While Diamond Harbour FC dazzled with attacking brilliance, Indian Navy relied on grit and structure. Both teams, though, walked away with full points and strong statements as the Durand Cup group stage picks up pace.
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