Indian Navy FT staged a stunning late comeback to beat TRAU FC 2-1 in the Durand Cup 2025, securing a quarterfinal berth. Goals from Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V.G overturned an early deficit, sealing top spot in Group F ahead of Real Kashmir at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
In a dramatic finish at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Indian Navy FT staged a stunning late comeback to beat local favourites TRAU FC 2-1 and book their place in the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup.
Late strikes from Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V.G overturned an early deficit, securing Navy’s spot at the top of Group F with seven points — one ahead of Real Kashmir FC, who concluded their campaign with six.
First-Half Frustrations for the Navy Men
The all-important fixture saw TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh make one enforced change, replacing suspended captain Shitaljit Atom with Dhanachandra Mutum. Indian Navy’s coach Raman Rai stuck with the same starting XI, banking on consistency for this crucial tie.
Both sides began with high intensity, with the Navy’s attacking trio of Vijay Marandi, Roshan Panna, and Sreyas V.G combining well with midfielders Pintu Mahata and J. Vijay to pressure the home defence. Despite dominating possession and territory, the Navy left gaps at the back, allowing TRAU to counterattack with intent.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute — somewhat against the run of play. A precise long ball from Jenish Singh found winger Yumnam Monis Singh, who squared the ball across to Moirangthem Nelson Singh. Nelson made no mistake, slotting a composed left-footed shot past Navy goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy to give TRAU a 1-0 lead.
The remainder of the half saw Indian Navy push forward relentlessly. J. Vijay came closest with a thunderous low drive from outside the box, but TRAU’s custodian Sapam Nongpoknganba Singh pulled off a sharp save to preserve his side’s advantage.
Second-Half Pressure and Near Misses
Indian Navy returned from the break with greater urgency. Bhaskar Roy was called into action early, reacting brilliantly to punch away Afridi Buyamayum’s powerful header. But most of the second half was played in TRAU’s half, as the Navy piled on attack after attack.
Defender Adarsh Matummal almost produced a moment of magic in the 62nd minute, unleashing a 40-yard free kick that rattled the inside of the post. The rebound was acrobatically kept out by Nongpoknganba Singh — a moment that left Navy supporters gasping in disbelief.
TRAU defended resolutely, throwing bodies in the way of every shot, and the Navy men’s finishing lacked composure at crucial moments. Yet, the persistent waves of attack finally paid off late in the game.
Dramatic Late Turnaround
The equaliser came in the 87th minute when Sreyas V.G, showing great vision, threaded a pass to Pintu Mahata inside the box. Pintu, under pressure, managed to toe-poke the ball into the net, igniting hope for the visitors.
Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, came the decisive moment. Substitute C. Pradeesh delivered a looping left-footed cross into the box, and Sreyas rose acrobatically to volley home, stunning the Imphal crowd and sealing a 2-1 victory.
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With this result, Indian Navy FT not only progressed to the quarterfinals but also finished Group F as leaders, overtaking Real Kashmir. For TRAU, the heartbreak was palpable as their hopes of advancing were dashed in the dying moments.
Looking Ahead
Indian Navy FT’s late heroics highlight both their resilience and attacking firepower, traits that will be vital as they enter the knockout phase of Asia’s oldest football tournament. With their momentum high and confidence soaring, the Navy men will look to carry this fighting spirit into the quarterfinals.
