Indian Navy FT Beat NEROCA FC 2-0 to Register First Durand Cup 2026 Victory

Indian Navy Football Team returned to winning ways in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, producing a disciplined all-round performance to defeat NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Wednesday.

Goals from Roshan Panna in the first half and E. Muhammed Inayath after the break ensured the Sailors bounced back strongly from their opening defeat to collect their first three points of the tournament.

The victory lifted Indian Navy FT to second place in Group D with three points from two matches, while NEROCA FC remained at the bottom of the standings with just one point from their opening two fixtures.

With both sides eager to strengthen their position in the group, the coaches opted for several changes to their starting line-ups. NEROCA FC head coach Yumnam Raju Mangang introduced four changes, bringing Shadrach Lantei Mills into midfield, Ngathem Imarson Meitei into the attack, Saphaba Singh Telem in defence, while Senegalese striker Modou Mbengue was handed the responsibility of leading the frontline.

Indian Navy coach Akash Kamble also reshuffled his attack, introducing Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Khullakpam Zahir Khan, and E. Muhammed Inayath in search of greater creativity and attacking penetration.

The changes proved decisive as the Sailors controlled key moments throughout the contest.

The match began at an energetic pace despite difficult ground conditions. Both teams pressed aggressively in midfield, making it difficult for either side to establish prolonged periods of possession during the opening exchanges. Clear-cut chances were limited as both defensive units remained organised.

NEROCA registered the first attempt on goal through right-back Maibam Deny Singh, whose ambitious long-range effort drifted wide. The home side soon created their best opportunity of the opening period. A neat move down the right flank saw Ngathem Imarson Meitei combine effectively with Modou Mbengue, who burst into the penalty area before attempting to square the ball across goal.

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However, the Senegalese striker overhit his delivery, denying teammate David Singh a simple finish. Moments later, Mbengue tested goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy with a powerful strike from outside the area, but the Indian Navy custodian gathered comfortably.

After surviving NEROCA's early pressure, the Indian Navy struck with clinical efficiency in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Vijay Marandi produced an excellent chipped pass over the defensive line, releasing Roshan Panna behind the NEROCA defence. The young forward remained composed as goalkeeper Penand Singh hesitated while rushing off his line.

Roshan calmly rounded the advancing goalkeeper before passing the ball into the empty net to give Indian Navy a deserved lead. It was a goal that highlighted the visitors' patience and quality in transition. Marandi nearly doubled the advantage shortly afterwards with a powerful long-range effort, but Penand Singh produced a comfortable save.

Having taken the lead, the Indian Navy settled into their rhythm. They enjoyed greater control of possession while restricting NEROCA largely to crosses from wide areas.

The Sailors' defence dealt comfortably with the aerial deliveries, ensuring Bhaskar Roy was rarely troubled before halftime. Their disciplined defensive organisation frustrated the home side and allowed Navy to enter the interval holding a deserved one-goal advantage.

The Indian Navy emerged after the break with the same level of control. They nearly extended their lead when Zahir Khan threaded an excellent through ball into the path of Vijay Marandi, whose left-footed effort drifted narrowly wide. As the half progressed, the visitors increasingly dominated midfield.

Muhammed Inayath frequently dropped into central areas alongside Adersh Mattummal and Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, helping Navy overload the midfield and patiently build attacks. Their superior ball retention prevented NEROCA from establishing sustained attacking pressure.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 65th minute through individual brilliance. Receiving possession near the edge of the area, Muhammed Inayath glided past two defenders before reaching the byline. Attempting to deliver a cross, the midfielder instead watched his delivery loop unexpectedly over goalkeeper Penand Singh before dropping into the far corner of the net.

Whether intended as a cross or shot, the finish doubled the Indian Navy's lead and effectively sealed the contest. It was a reward for Inayath's energetic performance and his intelligent movement throughout the second half. Trailing by two goals, NEROCA pushed more players forward in search of a way back into the game. However, Indian Navy's defence remained compact and organised.

The Sailors also looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack. Substitute Pangambam Naoba Meitei added fresh pace down the right flank and nearly scored after a powerful run into the penalty area, only to be denied by an excellent save from Penand Singh.

NEROCA's best opportunity arrived in the 82nd minute following a goalmouth scramble. Substitute Sridarth Nongmeikapam found himself with a close-range chance but failed to keep his effort on target. Moments later, Chabungbam Linky Meitei also missed the target after finding space inside the box.

At the other end, Penand Singh prevented the margin from increasing with two excellent saves to deny Sreyas V.G during the closing stages.

The Indian Navy comfortably managed the final minutes to record an important victory that reignites their Group D campaign. The disciplined defensive display, intelligent midfield control and clinical finishing reflected a significant improvement after their opening defeat.

For coach Akash Kamble, the result provides valuable momentum heading into the remaining group fixtures, while performances from Roshan Panna and Muhammed Inayath offered encouraging signs in attack. NEROCA, meanwhile, will be disappointed after creating promising moments without converting them into goals. With only one point from two matches, they now face increasing pressure in the race for qualification.

For Indian Navy FT, however, the 2-0 victory represents exactly the response they needed. Strong defensively, composed in possession and efficient in front of goal, the Sailors demonstrated why they remain strong contenders to progress from Group D as the Durand Cup campaign gathers momentum.