Doley's Hat-Trick Propels FC Raengdai to Top of Group D After Seven-Goal Thriller
Mridul Doley secured a three-goal haul to lead tournament newcomers FC Raengdai past TRAU FC in a high-scoring encounter. The victory marks Raengdai's second consecutive win, placing them firmly at the summit of their group.
Key takeaways
- Mridul Doley scored a hat-trick to secure FC Raengdai's second consecutive victory in the 135th Durand Cup.
- FC Raengdai now leads Group D with six points following their 4-3 win over TRAU FC at Khuman Lampak Stadium.
- FC1 defeated Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC 2-1 in Group F despite playing the final 30 minutes with only ten men.
- TRAU FC managed to level the score at 3-3 after trailing early, but Doley's 79th-minute strike ended their comeback hopes.
Raengdai Maintains Perfect Record in Imphal
FC Raengdai extended its successful debut campaign in the 135th Durand Cup by defeating local favorites Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU FC) 4-3 on Monday. The victory at Khuman Lampak Stadium marks a second straight win for the newcomers, who now lead Group D with six points.
Mridul Doley dominated the early proceedings, finding the net twice within the first 24 minutes to establish a commanding lead. While Chanam Akash Meitei pulled one back for TRAU in the 43rd minute, FC Raengdai responded immediately. Chongtham Kishan Singh scored during first-half stoppage time to ensure a 3-1 lead going into the interval.
Late Drama at Khuman Lampak
TRAU FC mounted a significant second-half comeback. Afdal Varikkodan scored shortly after the whistle, and the scores leveled at 3-3 in the 67th minute following an own goal by Lanchungrei Pamei. However, the deadlock did not last. Doley completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute, clinching the match and securing all three points for the visitors.
FC1 Triumphs Despite Red Card in Guwahati
Parallel action in Group F saw another debutant, FC1, secure a -1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The match dynamics shifted as follows:
- Early Lead: Joseph Mayowa Olaleye scored first for Karbi Anglong in the 27th minute.
- Recovery: Shakir Ahmad Sheikh leveled the score at the 40-minute mark.
- Winning Strike: Hayat Bashir netted the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.
FC1 played the final 30 minutes with ten men after defender Tetty Armando Yoko received a red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visiting side successfully defended its lead to claim the win.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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