Durand Cup 2023: Indian Army through to the quarters

With a draw against Rajasthan United, Indian Army seal their quarter final spot

Indian Army FT booked their place in the quarterfinals after they played out a goalless draw in their final Group F match against Rajasthan United FC in the 132nd IndianOil Durand Cup being played here at the SAI Stadium. Indian Army FT qualified for the knockouts by securing seven points of three matches while Rajasthan United finished second with four points of three matches.

Rajasthan United Head Coach Pushpendur Kundu made three changes to his starting lineup that lost the previous match to Odisha FC with Naresh Singh Yendrembam, Ragav Gupta and Mathew Ofori Dunga instead of Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, Surag Chettri and Hardik Bhatt. Indian Army Head Coach L. Anthony Ramesh made one forced change as goalkeeper Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir was brought in for the suspended Captain and regular goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri for the winner take it all match.

Rajasthan started the match brightly in soggy conditions as they caught out the Indian Army in the first minute. There was no Rajasthan attacker to finish Zoma’s cross across the six yard box. Indian Army settled quickly to the conditions. Deepak Singh was troubling with his pacey runs in the right wing as he created the best chance of the half for the Army side. His cross could not be converted by Rahul Ramakrsihnan as he blasted above the crossbar. Deepak Singh came close to scoring minutes later as his shot whisked past the post, beating keeper Sachin Jha. On the other end Lalchungnunga and Richardson Denzell tested the Army keeper but in vain. Indian Army defended deep knowing that a draw was enough for them to qualify for the quarterfinals. Ragav Gupta forced a brilliant save out of Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir as his shot was acrobatically tipped over the bar by the keeper as the teams went into the lemon break goalless.

The second half was a cagey affair with both teams trying hard to break the deadlock but there were very few clear cut chances for either team to score. Rajasthan who needed a win from the match to qualify were trying to force the issue upon the Army side. The Army men were resilient and had an answer to all of the pressure. On the other end they were happy to play on the counter attack. Rajasthan United piled up the pressure in the final minutes of the game but the Army side soaked up all the pressure and held on to the draw to make sure that they book their place in the quarterfinals.

East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United FC, Chennaiyin FC and Indian Army FT complete the quarterfinal lineup.

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