RAIA: FC Goa clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over Tribhuwan Army FC in a tightly contested Durand Cup 2024 group stage match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on Thursday.
The win has propelled the Young Gaurs to top the Group F, setting them up for a strong finish in the group stage. The Boys in Orange took the lead almost immediately after kick-off, with Lalthangliana finding the back of the net in the very first minute. The early goal set the tone for FC Goa, who maintained their intensity throughout the first half.
The second half saw FC Goa double their advantage, with Sitroy Carvalho netting in the 50th minute after a well-orchestrated team move following a corner-kick.
Despite the two-goal cushion, Tribhuwan Army FC refused to back down and pulled one back in the 66th minute through Basant Jimba, who capitalised on a lapse in FC Goa’s defence before finishing from far out.
In the final stages, FC Goa managed to fend off the Nepali side’s advances, securing all three points and climbing to the top of Group F.
To ensure chances of qualification to the Durand Cup 2024 knockout stages, Israil Gurung’s boys will now have to at least register a draw against Shillong Lajong, who they will meet on Saturday, August 17, in their final group stage assignment.
At Kolkata, Mohun Bagan Super Giant thrashed Indian Air Force FT 6-0 to go on top of Group A above arch-rivals East Bengal.
Mohun Bagan lead the group on virtue of goal difference, making the Kolkata Derby on August 18 a must win affair for both sides to decide the group winners and subsquently for a place in the knockouts.
Jason Cummings scored a brace — one in each half — and Thomas Aldred, Greg Stewart, Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco scored the other goals for the Mariners.
