Durand Cup 2026: Indian Navy secures solid 2-0 win over NEROCA FC

Imphal: Indian Navy recovered from an initial defeat with a disciplined display to secure a 2-0 victory over North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association Football Club (NEROCA FC) in a Group D match of the Durand Cup on Wednesday.

Roshan Panna opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before E Muhammed Inayath doubled the lead in the 65th minute, ensuring the Sailors recorded their first win of the tournament.

The result moved Indian Navy to three points from two fixtures, elevating them to second position in the Group D table, whilst NEROCA remained at the bottom with a single point from two matches.

The encounter maintained a rapid pace despite demanding pitch conditions, with both sides applying heavy pressure in midfield. The match developed into a hard-fought struggle in the centre of the park, where neither team managed to establish sustained dominance.

NEROCA came near to opening the scoring around the 20-minute mark through a combination on the right wing. Ngathem Imarson Meitei linked up with Modou Mbengue, who drove into the penalty box. The Senegalese striker attempted to cross to the advancing David Singh across the six-yard box, but the delivery proved too high and fast for his teammate to connect.

Indian Navy claimed the lead midway through the opening half through Panna. Vijay Marandi delivered a lofted pass over the NEROCA defensive line to find the young attacker, who took advantage of a delay by goalkeeper Penand Singh.

Panna rounded the advancing keeper before finishing into an open goal. Marandi had earlier seen a long-range strike turned away by the goalkeeper five minutes prior.

The Sailors controlled the remainder of the first period by maintaining possession. NEROCA FC were largely limited to wide crosses, which the Navy defence managed without difficulty.

Following the interval, Indian Navy dictated play through structured passing, repeatedly altering their tactical shape during build-up play. Muhammed Inayath dropped deep into central spaces to support Adersh Mattummal and Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, helping the Sailors control the midfield.

The Navy side extended their advantage shortly past the hour mark through a piece of solo skill from Muhammed Inayath. The midfielder beat two defenders to reach the byline before attempting a right-footed delivery.

The ball looped over the backpedalling NEROCA goalkeeper and dropped into the far corner to give the Sailors a two-goal cushion.

NEROCA FC's clearest chance of the second half came in the 82nd minute after a scramble inside the Navy penalty box. The loose ball reached substitute Sridarth Nongmeikapam, but the forward directed his close-range shot wide of the target.

PTI