The 135th Durand Cup witnessed another memorable day as debutants FC Raengdai and Langsning FC underlined their credentials with emphatic performances, headlined by Mridul Doley's match-winning hat-trick in a dramatic seven-goal thriller against TRAU FC.

FC Raengdai defeated TRAU FC 4-3 in Imphal to continue their remarkable start to the tournament.

Doley was the standout performer, scoring in the 14th, 24th and 79th minutes to inspire his side to a second consecutive victory and send the newcomers to the top of Group D with six points from two matches.

Chongtham Kishan Singh also found the net in first-half stoppage time to complete FC Raengdai's scoring. TRAU refused to go down without a fight as Chanam Akash Meitei struck before the break, Afdal Varikkodan scored early in the second half, while an own goal by Lanchungrei Pamei in the 67th minute briefly restored parity.

The contest swung from end to end throughout the evening. FC Raengdai looked comfortable after racing to a two-goal lead through Doley's early double before TRAU fought back.

Kishan's stoppage-time goal gave the debutants breathing space heading into the interval, but TRAU again clawed their way back into the contest after the restart.

With the scores level at 3-3 following the own goal, the momentum appeared to favour TRAU.

However, Doley completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute, finishing off another attacking move to seal all three points and continue FC Raengdai's fairytale campaign.

The victory leaves FC Raengdai on top of Group D with six points from two matches. Neroca are second with one point from one game, while TRAU sit third with one point from two outings. Indian Navy remain at the bottom without a win.

Earlier in Shillong, another debutant side made an equally strong statement. Langsning FC overwhelmed Mumbay FC 5-0 in a Group E clash, producing a dominant second-half display after the teams entered the break goalless.

Syed Ahmed broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a powerful header from a corner before doubling his tally 14 minutes later with another well-taken finish.

Langsning maintained relentless pressure throughout the contest and eventually turned the victory into a rout.

Kyrmenskhem Mukhim added the third goal in the 89th minute before Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar curled home a stunning effort deep into stoppage time.

Substitute Samuel Phawa completed the scoring moments later with a powerful strike from outside the box.

Langsning's dominance was reflected in the numbers as they registered 25 attempts, including 12 on target, while limiting Mumbay FC to just five shots throughout the match.

The action continues on Tuesday with Jamshedpur FC taking on SC Delhi in Ranchi before Mohun Bagan Super Giant begin their campaign against South United FC in Kolkata.