Durand Cup: Indian Air Force Secures Narrow Victory Over Defenders FC in Ranchi
The Indian Air Force football team moved level on points with Jamshedpur FC in Group C after a resilient 2-1 win against Sri Lanka's Defenders FC. Despite a late surge from the visitors, the Airmen maintained their defensive structure to claim the three points.
Group C Standings Tighten as Airmen Secure Points
The Indian Air Force Football Team climbed the Group C rankings of the 135th Durand Cup following a 2-1 triumph over the Sri Lankan Army side, Defenders FC. The fixture, held on Wednesday at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, saw the Airmen demonstrate clinical execution to match Jamshedpur FC on points, though they currently sit behind the leaders due to a goal difference of plus-one compared to Jamshedpur's plus-five.
Tactical Breakthroughs and Defensive Lapses
The scoring opened in the 25th minute when Somananda Singh found the back of the net, providing the Indian Air Force with a necessary early advantage. The lead widened further in the 68th minute through a stroke of misfortune for the Sri Lankan defense. While attempting to clear a cross delivered by Mohammad Aquib, Defenders FC player K.D.S. Sankalpa inadvertently diverted the ball into his own goal.
Defenders FC Response and Final Standoff
The Sri Lankan visitors offered an immediate rebuttal to the two-goal deficit. N.M. Aflal struck in the 70th minute to pull the score to 2-1, injecting tension into the final twenty minutes of play. However, the Indian Air Force defensive line remained disciplined through the closing stages, neutralizing several late threats to ensure the win.
- Date of Match: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
- Scorers (IAF): Somananda Singh (25'), K.D.S Sankalpa (OG 68')
- Scorer (Defenders FC): N.M. Aflal (70')
- Venue: Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi
Source: The Hindu — Home
