Durand Cup 2025: Jamshedpur FC Edge Indian Army, Shillong Lajong Triumphs in Derby

Jamshedpur FC continued its winning run in the Durand Cup 2025, defeating Indian Army FT 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Tuesday, courtesy of a decisive second-half strike from Sanan Mohammed. The victory, their second in Group C, lifts the Red Miners to the top of the standings with six points, edging them closer to a knockout berth.

The contest began brightly for Indian Army, who dominated the opening exchanges with their physical presence and quick midfield transitions. Early chances fell to Samir Murmu, whose strike narrowly missed the far post, and Samananda Singh, who headed wide from a corner. Their skipper B. Sunil nearly broke the deadlock before half-time, but Jamshedpur’s goalkeeper Amrit Gope pulled off a fingertip save to keep the sides level at the break.

After weathering the storm, Jamshedpur made their breakthrough in the 52nd minute. A long throw initiated the move, with Karthik Choudhary’s header falling into the path of Mohammed. The midfielder controlled calmly with his chest before slotting past Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir to spark home celebrations.

The match ended in drama as Army’s goalkeeper was sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Jayesh Rane, who had beaten the offside trap. With no substitute keeper available, defender Samananda Singh donned the gloves for the dying minutes as the Army pushed in vain for an equaliser.

Meanwhile, in Shillong, Lajong FC emerged victorious in a heated Shillong Derby, defeating Rangdajied United 3-1 in front of a raucous home crowd at the JLN Stadium.

After a tense first half, the breakthrough came in stoppage time when Mylliempdah pounced on a defensive scramble from a set-piece to give Lajong the lead. Rangdajied struck back in the 58th minute through Mebanshngain Kurkalang, finishing off a slick team move to briefly restore parity.

But Lajong soon regained control, with Lyngdoh firing them ahead again in the 66th minute following a flowing attacking move. The hosts then sealed the contest in the 80th minute when Kharbuli finished off a rapid counterattack with composure, securing a 3-1 victory.

With these results, both Jamshedpur FC and Shillong Lajong strengthened their positions in their respective groups, showing resilience and sharp finishing in what is shaping up to be a thrilling Durand Cup campaign.