TRAU FC Beat Indian Navy 2-1 to End Durand Cup Campaign on a Winning Note
TRAU FC ended their 135th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign on a positive note after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Indian Navy FT at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Sunday.
Afridi Buyamayum scored both goals for the Manipur-based side, producing two moments of individual brilliance to overcome sustained pressure from the Sailors. Khullakpam Zahir Khan scored for Indian Navy shortly after half-time, but TRAU held on through a disciplined defensive display and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Tajuddin.
The result saw TRAU FC finish second in Group D with four points from three matches. Indian Navy ended their campaign with three points from three games, while debutants FC Raengdai topped the group and secured qualification for the quarter-finals.
Although TRAU and Indian Navy were unable to advance to the knockout stages, the hosts finished their campaign with a memorable victory.
The Indian Navy began the match on the front foot and controlled much of the opening phase. Operating in an aggressive 3-4-3 formation, the Sailors pushed TRAU deep into their own half and repeatedly tested the home side's defensive structure. Their first major spell of pressure came in the seventh minute when the Indian Navy produced three successive attempts on goal. TRAU responded by crowding the penalty area and blocking the available spaces.
The pressure continued, with the Indian Navy relying on long-range attempts and sustained possession to keep TRAU pinned back. TRAU struggled to build attacks of their own during the opening stages, finding it difficult to establish prolonged possession. Yet, football can often turn on individual moments, and TRAU produced one in the 16th minute.
Against the run of play, Afridi Buyamayum found space outside the penalty area and unleashed a spectacular right-footed curling effort. The shot flew into the top corner, giving Bhaskar Roy no chance and putting TRAU FC 1-0 ahead. Remarkably, it was TRAU's first attempt of the match. The goal changed the complexion of the contest. TRAU gained greater confidence and managed to settle into possession, although they continued to find it difficult to create clear-cut chances.
The Indian Navy continued to dominate the statistics. By half-time, the Sailors had registered 12 attempts, including six on target, while enjoying the majority of possession.
Despite that pressure, TRAU's defensive organisation ensured that Buyamayum's strike remained the difference at the interval.
The Sailors needed only 16 seconds of the second half to restore parity. Khullakpam Zahir Khan took advantage of a lapse in the TRAU defence and surged through the middle before keeping his composure to slot the ball into the net. The equaliser immediately reignited the Indian Navy's attacking momentum. They continued to push forward and came close to taking the lead, but TRAU defender Zlex Khangjrakpam Mangang produced a perfectly timed sliding challenge to stop an advancing attacker.
Indian Navy were once again controlling the game, but TRAU demonstrated the same efficiency that had brought them their opening goal. On the hour mark, TRAU launched a rapid counter-attack down the right. The move created space for Buyamayum, who once again provided the decisive finish to restore TRAU's lead at 2-1. The goal completed his brace and once again came during a period when the Indian Navy was controlling much of the contest.
For TRAU, it was a lesson in clinical finishing. The Manipur side had created comparatively few opportunities but had converted both of their shots on target.
With the Indian Navy now trailing again, the Sailors threw more players forward in search of another equaliser. That left TRAU increasingly dependent on their defensive organisation and goalkeeper Tajuddin. The goalkeeper produced one of the defining moments of the match in the 65th minute, acrobatically tipping a powerful long-range effort over the crossbar after the shot took a dangerous deflection.
He was called into action again moments later, making another important save to preserve TRAU's narrow advantage. The Indian Navy continued their assault after the final hydration break, repeatedly sending crosses and deliveries into the TRAU penalty area.
However, the hosts remained organised and managed to clear the danger repeatedly.
The final statistics highlighted the contrast between the two teams. The Indian Navy finished with an extraordinary 26 attempts, including 15 on target. TRAU FC managed only eight attempts, with just two on target. Yet both of TRAU's efforts on target ended in goals. That efficiency ultimately proved decisive.
Tajuddin's saves prevented the Indian Navy from converting their territorial dominance into a second goal, while Buyamayum's finishing gave TRAU the advantage whenever opportunities presented themselves. The victory therefore represented a combination of clinical attacking play and defensive resilience.
The 2-1 victory allowed TRAU FC to close their Durand Cup campaign with four points from three matches and a second-place finish in Group D. While that was not enough to take them into the quarter-finals, the performance against Indian Navy provided plenty of positives, particularly the individual brilliance of Buyamayum and the resilience shown by Tajuddin and the defensive unit.
The Indian Navy will be left to reflect on a campaign where their attacking numbers did not translate into sufficient results. Their 26 attempts in the final match demonstrated their ability to create opportunities, but TRAU's efficiency ultimately decided the contest. With FC Raengdai advancing as Group D winners, the focus now shifts towards the knockout stages.
For TRAU FC, however, the tournament ended with a performance that summed up their final match: limited opportunities, exceptional finishing and determined defending.
Durand Cup 2026: Matches
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs CISF Protectors
Group A | 4:00 PM IST
Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
SC Delhi vs Indian Air Force FT
Group C | 7:00 PM IST
Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi
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