SC Delhi Storm into Quarter-Finals with Dominant 7–1 Victory in Durand Cup
Ranchi, August 10, 2026: SC Delhi delivered a commanding performance to secure a resounding 7–1 victory over Indian Air Force FT, confirming their place in the quarter-finals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup as Group C toppers. The high-scoring encounter was held at Birsa Munda Stadium on Monday.
The Delhi side showcased attacking brilliance throughout the match, with Juan Sebastián Peña netting a brace. Rodriguinho, Duvan Mina, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Clarence Savio Fernandes and Richard Ndayishimiye also contributed to the scoreline. Indian Air Force’s lone goal came from Samuel K. Vanlalpeka.
With this emphatic win, SC Delhi completed the group stage unbeaten, registering three wins from three matches and finishing with nine points. Meanwhile, Indian Air Force remain in third place with three points from two outings and are set to face Jamshedpur FC in their final group fixture on August 13.
SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchórz made notable changes to the lineup, bringing back Ashutosh Mehta from suspension and including Joseph Sunny, while handing Peña his first start. On the other hand, Indian Air Force introduced goalkeeper Dinesh into the starting XI.
Despite a bright start from Indian Air Force, SC Delhi struck first in the 11th minute. A well-worked move saw Rodriguinho finish from close range after a precise setup involving Peña and Yanglem Sanatomba Singh.
Indian Air Force attempted to respond with direct play and aerial balls, but SC Delhi’s defence remained composed. The Delhi side doubled their lead before halftime through a moment of brilliance from Peña, who controlled a long ball and fired a powerful strike into the top corner.
The Airmen reduced the deficit early in the second half, as Vanlalpeka produced a stunning curling effort to make it 2–1. However, SC Delhi quickly regained control. Mina restored the two-goal cushion with a header from a corner, before Hnamte and Peña added two more goals in quick succession, capitalising on defensive lapses.
Clarence Fernandes extended the lead further with a header from another set-piece in the 79th minute. Substitute Richard Ndayishimiye completed the rout deep into stoppage time with a composed finish, sealing a comprehensive win.
SC Delhi’s dominance in attack and control of possession highlighted their credentials as strong contenders in the tournament.
All matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- NorthEast United FC vs FC1 (Group F) – 4:00 PM, Guwahati
- Nongkseh SS & CC vs Mumbai FC (Group E) – 7:00 PM, Shillong
