Indian Army FT Seal Quarter-Final Berth with Dramatic Late Winner Against Mohammedan SC
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, August 12, 2026
Indian Army Football Team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup after producing a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.
Mohammedan SC took the lead through Lalthankima in the first half, but Indian Army fought back after the break through P. Christopher Kamei before Shafeel P.P. struck in stoppage time to complete a thrilling turnaround.
The victory gave Indian Army a perfect nine points from three Group B matches, securing the group leadership and a place in the knockout stage.
Mohammedan Start Strong
Mohammedan SC began the contest with greater attacking intent. Within the opening two minutes, Israfil Dewan delivered a dangerous cross from the left, but no teammate was available to apply the finishing touch.
Lalthankima then produced another threatening delivery towards the far post, where F. Lalremsanga struck the upright. Indian Army goalkeeper and captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri was subsequently forced into action to keep out another long-range attempt from Lalthankima.
Mohammedan continued to enjoy possession and created another opportunity in the 12th minute. Lalremsanga broke forward, but Thakuri showed excellent anticipation, rushing off his line to prevent the forward from finishing.
Indian Army gradually settled into the game, with Christopher Kamei becoming increasingly influential in midfield. He delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area and later tested Mohammedan goalkeeper Shubhadip Pandit with a powerful effort from distance.
Lalthankima Produces a Moment of Brilliance
The breakthrough finally came in the 34th minute.
Lalthankima collected possession on the left flank, cut inside with impressive footwork and unleashed a superb right-footed shot into the top-left corner. Thakuri had no chance as Mohammedan took a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Black and White Brigade maintained their composure for the remainder of the first half, keeping Indian Army away from clear scoring opportunities.
Indian Army went into the interval trailing 1-0.
Kamei Brings Indian Army Back
The Services side returned from the break with greater urgency. Mohammedan’s defensive unit, led by Arpit Chhetri, initially managed to withstand the pressure.
However, Indian Army finally found the equaliser in the 59th minute.
Christopher Kamei unleashed a powerful long-range strike that took a significant deflection off Mohammedan defender Pukhrambam Dinesh Meitei. The ball struck the post before rolling into the net beyond the helpless Pandit.
The goal transformed the momentum of the contest, with Indian Army beginning to dominate possession and create more attacking opportunities.
Both Sides Chase the Winner
Indian Army came close to completing the comeback when Pawar Abhishek Shankar broke into the penalty area. Mohammedan defender Rahul Naskar and goalkeeper Shubhadip Pandit combined effectively to deny him.
Substitute Liton Shil also linked up with Abhishek Shankar to create another opening, but the subsequent effort lacked the power to seriously trouble the goalkeeper.
Mohammedan remained dangerous on the counter. In the 81st minute, substitute Maharabam Maxion raced through on goal, forcing Thakuri to charge off his line. The goalkeeper’s brave intervention prevented Mohammedan from regaining the lead.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed aggressively for the decisive goal.
Shafeel Delivers in Stoppage Time
The decisive moment arrived in the first minute of stoppage time.
Indian Army substitute Shafeel P.P. unleashed a thunderous effort from distance. The shot took a slight deflection on its way towards goal and flew past the Mohammedan goalkeeper.
The late strike triggered jubilant celebrations among the Indian Army players and supporters and completed a remarkable 2-1 comeback.
Perfect Group Stage for Indian Army
The victory means Indian Army FT finish their Group B campaign with three wins from three matches and nine points, securing top spot and qualification for the quarter-finals.
Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, exit the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup after recording one victory and two defeats.
All 43 matches of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are being broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
August 13 Fixtures
Three matches are scheduled for Thursday:
- Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Air Force FT — 4:00 PM, Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Ranchi
- Bodoland FC vs Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC — 4:00 PM, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
- Shillong Lajong FC vs Langsning FC — 7:00 PM, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
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