FC Raengdai Edge TRAU FC 4-3 as Mridul Doley’s Hat-Trick Sends Debutants to the Top of Group D
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Imphal, August 4: FC Raengdai continued their dream debut campaign in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over hosts TRAU FC in an action-packed Group D encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal. A brilliant hat-trick from Mridul Doley powered the newcomers to their second consecutive win, lifting them to the top of the group standings.
The seven-goal contest showcased attacking football from both sides, with momentum swinging repeatedly before FC Raengdai emerged victorious. The result places the debutants on six points from two matches, while TRAU FC remain with one point after playing two games.
Doley Leads the Charge
Mridul Doley opened the scoring in the 14th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse before doubling the advantage ten minutes later with a composed finish. TRAU reduced the deficit through Chanam Akash Meitei in the 43rd minute, but FC Raengdai restored their two-goal cushion deep into first-half stoppage time when Chongtham Kishan Singh found the net to make it 3-1.
The home side responded strongly after the interval. Afdal Varikkodan scored in the 47th minute to bring TRAU back into the contest, and an unfortunate own goal by Lanchungrei Pamei in the 67th minute levelled the score at 3-3.
However, Doley produced the decisive moment in the 79th minute, rising above the defence to head home from a well-delivered corner and complete a memorable hat-trick, sealing all three points for FC Raengdai.
Fast-Paced Encounter
The visitors displayed confidence from the opening whistle despite playing only their second-ever Durand Cup match. Their aggressive pressing unsettled TRAU’s defence, creating multiple scoring opportunities early in the game.
TRAU fought back admirably, enjoying sustained spells of pressure and creating several chances. Nevertheless, FC Raengdai remained composed under pressure and continued to attack rather than defend their narrow lead in the closing stages, successfully holding off a determined late surge from the home side.
Group D Standings
Following the victory, FC Raengdai lead Group D with six points from two matches. Neroca FC occupy second place with one point from one game, while TRAU FC are third with one point from two outings. Indian Navy remain at the bottom of the table without a victory.
With several matches still remaining in the group stage, the race for qualification remains open, although FC Raengdai have established themselves as one of the early surprise contenders of the tournament.
Match Summary
TRAU FC 3
Scorers: Chanam Akash Meitei (43′), Afdal Varikkodan (47′), Lanchungrei Pamei (Own Goal, 67′)
FC Raengdai 4
Scorers: Mridul Doley (14′, 24′, 79′), Chongtham Kishan Singh (45+3′)
All 43 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
