Durand Cup 2026: FC Raengdai Mark Historic Debut with 1-0 Victory Over Indian Navy
FC Raengdai announced their arrival on the national stage with a memorable 1-0 victory over Indian Navy Football Team in their maiden appearance at the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup on Thursday at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.
Substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh etched his name into the club's history by scoring the only goal of the contest in the 58th minute, giving the Manipuri side not only their first-ever Durand Cup victory but also their maiden goal in India's oldest football tournament.
Facing an experienced Indian Navy side that reached the quarterfinals last season, FC Raengdai displayed maturity beyond their years, combining disciplined defending with energetic attacking football to earn a famous victory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The result also gives the debutants a dream start to their Group D campaign while leaving Indian Navy with work to do in the race for a knockout berth.
The contest presented an interesting contrast in team selection.
Indian Navy head coach Akash Kamble fielded a side packed with experience, featuring several players with Indian Super League and I-League backgrounds, including goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy, Novin Gurung, Adersh Mattummal, Sreyas V.G., Vijay J., Brijesh Giri, Maibam Deny Singh, and Vijay Marandi. In contrast, FC Raengdai head coach Kshetrimayum Birbal Singh placed his faith in a youthful, all-Indian squad making its debut in the prestigious tournament.
Despite the difference in experience, it was the newcomers who settled quicker.
The home side nearly enjoyed a dream opening inside three minutes. A clever run from Mridul Doley split the Navy defence, allowing the winger to race into the penalty area with only Bhaskar Roy to beat. However, his left-footed effort lacked conviction, enabling the experienced goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
Indian Navy gradually responded and began creating danger through set-pieces. A long throw into the penalty area caused brief panic before the FC Raengdai defence cleared the danger. Moments later, Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh came close with a free-kick that took a slight deflection before drifting narrowly wide.
The visitors' best opportunity of the opening half arrived shortly before the hydration break.
Good combination play between Vijay Marandi and Roshan Panna released Sreyas V.G. inside the penalty area. Left unmarked, the forward struck towards goal but failed to generate enough power to beat goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga, who gathered comfortably.
Both sides created six attempts during the opening 45 minutes, but neither could find the finishing touch as the teams entered the break level at 0-0.
Recognising the need for greater attacking urgency, FC Raengdai made two changes at halftime, introducing Laishram Bikramjit Singh and Khaidem Amarjit Singh. The substitutions immediately transformed the home side's attacking rhythm.
Within minutes of the restart, P.M. Rakeveiche delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area. Mridul Doley found space between the Navy centre-backs but narrowly failed to make contact with his attempted header.
Soon afterwards, Doley received another golden opportunity after defensive uncertainty inside the Navy penalty area. Choosing power over precision, he blasted his effort high over the crossbar. Although the chances went begging, FC Raengdai's growing confidence suggested the breakthrough was only a matter of time.
The decisive moment arrived in the 58th minute. Indian Navy defender Novin Gurung lost possession under pressure from Mridul Doley, who surged into the penalty area.
As goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy rushed off his line, Doley was brought down, but the loose ball rolled kindly into the path of substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh. With the goalkeeper stranded, Amarjit calmly tapped into the empty net to score FC Raengdai's first-ever Durand Cup goal, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and supporters.
The goal proved to be the defining moment of the evening.
Forced to chase the game, Indian Navy pushed more players forward in search of an equaliser. The increased attacking intent inevitably created spaces at the back. One defensive lapse almost resulted in a second goal when Navjot Singh misjudged a long ball, allowing Mridul Doley a clear run on goal.
This time, Bhaskar Roy produced one of the saves of the match, spreading himself brilliantly to deny the striker with an outstretched leg and keep Navy's hopes alive. The experienced goalkeeper's intervention ensured the contest remained open heading into the closing stages.
The Indian Navy launched a wave after wave of attacks during the final minutes, frequently delivering crosses into the penalty area. However, FC Raengdai's defence remained organised and composed, consistently winning aerial duels and limiting the visitors to half-chances. The debutants nearly sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Tingkaochun Gangmei found himself with an open goal after an unselfish pass from Amarjit Singh but somehow fired wide from close range. Fortunately for the hosts, the missed opportunity proved inconsequential.
After five tense minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed one of the biggest victories in the young club's history.
The victory could prove crucial in the Group D standings. Defeating last season's quarterfinalists on debut sends a strong message that FC Raengdai are capable of competing against more established teams. The performance was built on fearless attacking football, disciplined defending and excellent tactical execution, with substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh emerging as the match-winner.
For Indian Navy, the defeat will be disappointing after entering the tournament with a vastly experienced squad. Despite dominating possession during spells of the second half, they struggled to convert chances and were ultimately punished for a costly defensive mistake.
For FC Raengdai, however, the evening will be remembered as a landmark moment. Their first appearance in the Durand Cup has already delivered a historic first goal, a famous first victory and renewed belief that they can challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
Durand Cup 2026: Friday's Fixtures
Shillong Lajong FC vs Nongkseh SS&CC (Group E) – 5:00 PM IST – Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
East Bengal FC vs CISF Protectors (Group A) – 7:30 PM IST – Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
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