FC Raengdai Script Historic Durand Cup Debut with Hard-Fought Victory Over Indian Navy
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Result
FC Raengdai – 1 (Khaidem Amarjit Singh 58′)
Indian Navy Football Team – 0
Imphal, July 30, 2026: FC Raengdai celebrated a dream debut in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, defeating former quarter-finalists Indian Navy Football Team 1-0 in a closely contested Group D encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Thursday. A second-half strike from substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh proved to be the difference, handing the Manipuri club its first-ever victory and first-ever goal in India’s oldest football tournament.
The memorable triumph was greeted with loud cheers from the home supporters, as the young local side outplayed an experienced Indian Navy outfit to begin their Durand Cup campaign on a high note.
Young Raengdai Challenge Experienced Navy Side
Indian Navy entered the fixture with a seasoned squad under head coach Akash Kamble, fielding several players with experience in the Indian Super League and other top domestic competitions. The starting eleven featured notable names including Bhaskar Roy, Novin Gurung, Adersh Mattummal, Sreyas V.G., Vijay J., Brijesh Giri, Maibam Deny Singh and Vijay Marandi.
On the other hand, FC Raengdai coach Kshetrimayum Birbal Singh placed his faith in a youthful all-Indian squad making its maiden appearance in the prestigious Durand Cup. The youngsters responded with remarkable confidence and discipline against their more experienced opponents.
Bright Start by the Hosts
The Manipuri club wasted little time in announcing their intentions. Within three minutes, winger Mridul Doley made an incisive run behind the Navy defence before entering the penalty area. However, his left-footed effort lacked power, allowing veteran goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy to make a comfortable save.
Indian Navy gradually settled into the contest and looked dangerous from set-piece situations. A long throw caused confusion inside the FC Raengdai penalty area before the defence cleared the danger. Soon afterwards, Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh came close from a free-kick following an excellent run by Roshan Panna, but the effort narrowly missed the target after taking a slight deflection.
The visitors registered their first shot on target just before the hydration break. A well-worked move involving Vijay Marandi and Roshan Panna created space for Sreyas V.G. inside the penalty area. Despite finding himself unmarked, the striker failed to generate sufficient power, allowing goalkeeper Kamei Pantiga to gather comfortably.
Both teams continued to exchange attacks during the remainder of the first half. Each side created six attempts on goal, but neither managed to find the breakthrough, sending the match into halftime with the scores level at 0-0.
Tactical Changes Turn the Match
Recognising the need for fresh energy, FC Raengdai introduced Laishram Bikramjit Singh and Khaidem Amarjit Singh immediately after the restart.
The substitutions injected new life into the hosts’ attack. Early in the second half, P.M. Rakeveiche delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank that found Mridul Doley, but the forward failed to connect with his header despite finding space between two defenders.
Moments later, Doley squandered another promising opportunity when a loose ball fell kindly inside the penalty area. Attempting to strike with power, he sent his effort well over the crossbar.
Amarjit Creates Club History
FC Raengdai’s sustained pressure finally paid dividends in the 58th minute.
Defender Novin Gurung lost possession deep inside his own half after being dispossessed by the lively Mridul Doley, who surged into the penalty area. As the advancing goalkeeper brought Doley down, the loose ball rolled invitingly towards substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh, who calmly tapped it into an empty net.
The goal not only gave FC Raengdai the lead but also entered the club’s history books as its first-ever goal in the Durand Cup.
Resolute Defence Under Pressure
Trailing by a goal, Indian Navy committed more players forward in search of an equaliser. Repeated crosses and sustained attacks tested FC Raengdai’s defence, but the backline remained organised and composed throughout the closing stages.
The hosts almost doubled their advantage when Navjot Singh failed to control a long ball, allowing Mridul Doley to race clear on goal. However, goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy produced an outstanding save with an outstretched leg to keep his team in contention.
FC Raengdai received another golden opportunity during stoppage time. Substitute Tingkaochun Gangmei found himself with an open goal after an unselfish pass from Amarjit Singh but surprisingly failed to hit the target from close range.
Fortunately for the debutants, the missed opportunity proved inconsequential.
Dream Debut Completed
Despite five minutes of added time and relentless pressure from the Indian Navy, FC Raengdai defended with remarkable discipline and maturity to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The historic victory marks an unforgettable beginning to the club’s Durand Cup journey and underlines the growing strength of Manipuri football on the national stage. Defeating last season’s quarter-finalists in their tournament debut is likely to provide enormous confidence as FC Raengdai continue their Group D campaign.
With their first goal, first win and first three points secured, the Manipuri side has emerged as one of the early surprise packages of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup.
Upcoming Durand Cup Fixtures
Group E
Shillong Lajong FC vs Nongkseh SS&CC
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
Kick-off: 5:00 PM
Group A
East Bengal FC vs CISF Protectors
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Kick-off: 7:30 PM
All 43 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on SonyLIV.
