SC Delhi Storm into Durand Cup Quarter-finals with Seven-Goal Rout of Indian Air Force

SC Delhi produced another dominant attacking performance at the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, defeating Indian Air Force FT 7-1 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Monday to seal their place in the quarter-finals as Group C winners.

The result completed a perfect group-stage campaign for SC Delhi, who finished with three victories from three matches and a maximum nine points. The Delhi-based side also continued their remarkable scoring form, with seven different goalscoring contributions during a match that once again underlined their attacking depth. Juan Sebastián Peña led the way with a brace, while Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Clarence Savio Fernandes and Richard Ndayishimiye also found the net.

For Indian Air Force, Samuel K. Vanlalpeka scored their only goal of the contest. The Airmen remain third in Group C with three points from two matches and will face Jamshedpur FC in their final group fixture on August 13.

Indian Air Force made a brighter start, attempting to unsettle SC Delhi with a direct approach, but the first major opening fell to the eventual group winners. SC Delhi broke the deadlock in the 11th minute through their prolific Brazilian forward Rodriguinho, who continued his extraordinary start to the tournament. Juan Sebastián Peña spotted the run of left-back Yanglem Sanatomba Singh into the penalty area and delivered a perfectly weighted pass.

Sanatomba then squared the ball across the six-yard box, where Rodriguinho had intelligently moved ahead of his marker. The finish was simple, but the movement and build-up demonstrated the attacking awareness that has made Rodriguinho one of the standout players of this year's Durand Cup.

The goal was his sixth of the tournament. The Indian Air Force attempted to respond through long balls and set-piece situations, but SC Delhi's defensive unit remained organised and dealt effectively with the aerial threat. At the other end, Joseph Sunny sent an effort over the crossbar, while Rodriguinho almost added another after an acrobatic attempt was deflected behind.

SC Delhi eventually doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through Juan Sebastián Peña. The midfielder received a high ball from defence and produced an excellent first touch to bring it under control. He immediately escaped his marker before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner.

The goalkeeper had little chance. The goal gave SC Delhi a 2-0 lead heading into the final stages of the first half, although the visitors continued to push forward. SC Delhi finished the half strongly, winning five corners in the closing minutes. Joseph Sunny came particularly close to extending the advantage when he connected with a clearance from a set-piece, only for his effort to crash against the crossbar.

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He then missed another opportunity at the back post in stoppage time. Despite the missed chances, SC Delhi entered the break with a comfortable two-goal advantage.

The second half began with a dramatic shift. The Indian Air Force reduced the deficit just five minutes after the restart through Samuel K. Vanlalpeka. Somananda Singh controlled the second ball after Clarence Fernandes had cleared a long delivery into the box before setting up Vanlalpeka. The midfielder responded with a superb curling finish that flew into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Nora Fernandes no chance.

At 2-1, the Indian Air Force had a brief opportunity to make the contest competitive. SC Delhi, however, responded almost immediately.

The Delhi side restored their two-goal advantage in the 55th minute. Duvan Mina had already posed a threat from set-pieces throughout the match and finally got his reward when he rose highest to meet a corner. His header took a deflection off Jijo Jerone and ended up in the back of the net.

The goal changed the momentum once again. Indian Air Force struggled to contain SC Delhi's movement, particularly when the Delhi side attacked through set pieces and quick transitions.

The fourth goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Mohammad Danish failed to clear a cross inside the penalty area, sending the ball directly into the path of Lalrinliana Hnamte. The midfielder controlled the ball on his chest before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. Just 90 seconds later, SC Delhi struck again. Mohammed Azhar won possession and immediately played a precise through ball into the path of Peña. The midfielder remained composed in front of goal and finished beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace.

At 5-1, the contest was effectively decided. SC Delhi continued to attack but also demonstrated their ability to control the tempo once the result was secured.

The sixth goal arrived in the 79th minute from another set piece. Mohammed Azhar delivered an accurate corner into the penalty area, where substitute Clarence Fernandes rose highest and powered a header towards goal. Indian Air Force goalkeeper Dinesh managed to get a hand to the ball but could not prevent it from crossing the line. SC Delhi then slowed the tempo and began managing possession, ensuring there was little opportunity for an Indian Air Force comeback.

There was still time for one final moment. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Hnamte rolled the ball into the path of substitute Richard Ndayishimiye, who produced a composed left-footed curling finish into the bottom corner.

The seventh goal completed another emphatic SC Delhi victory.

The final whistle confirmed SC Delhi's perfect group-stage record. Three matches. Three wins. Nine points. The seven-goal performance also reinforced the club's status as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the tournament. Rodriguinho continues to lead the charge, while Peña's brace demonstrated that SC Delhi's goalscoring threat extends well beyond their Brazilian forward.

For Indian Air Force, there is still one group fixture remaining against Jamshedpur FC on August 13, giving them an opportunity to finish their campaign on a positive note. For SC Delhi, however, the focus now shifts to the knockout stages. Their journey through Group C could hardly have been more convincing.

SC Delhi are into the Durand Cup quarter-finals unbeaten, perfect on points and scoring goals at a remarkable rate.