SC Delhi vs Indian Air Force FT Preview - Team news, lineups | Durand Cup 2026

SC Delhi will eye qualification for the knockout stage.

SC Delhi, the capital side, who just got their hands tested in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup, has already clinched back-to-back wins in the competition as they stand at the very top of the table with six points.

They are set to face the Indian Air Force FT on 10th August, 2026, at 19:00 IST at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi as the stadium hosted the Durand Cup for the first time in history.

The Capital side who shifted their base from Hyderabad to Delhi and also changed the club name will look to get the most out of it. And talking about the Indian Air Force side, they sit on the third position while they have just played one group stage game, where they clinched a victory over the Defenders FC.

In this article, take a look at how both teams could line up for the game and also who will be standout players for their side.

The Stakes

Sporting Club Delhi

SC Delhi, fresh from a decent run in the ISL 2025-26 season, find themselves in the Durand Cup 2026. They have maintained their attractive brand of football in the competition, while some great signings have strengthened the squad and helped them build a strong core to compete in further competitions as well.

They beat Jamshedpur FC earlier in their first match, and then they surpassed the Sri Lankan side with a thrashing victory of 7-0, and now they will eye a commanding victory over Indian Air Force FT to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Indian Air Force FT

The services side of India are ready to roar against SC Delhi who are definitely a better side than them in this competition and how they play in this whole two group stage games from that perspective, the Air Force FT side need to be very careful with their brand of football as they have only displayed their game against Defenders and will look to prove their mark in the next game.

Talking about them, the Indian Air Force FT side need to maintain their defensive line with a very compact nature as SC Delhi look to play their attacking brand of football and look to play a positive game against them to secure at least a draw.

Team News

Both the teams are likely to have a fully fit squad.

Head to head record

Neither team has played any game against each other until now.

Predicted Lineups

Indian Air Force FT (4-4-2)

Subhajit Basu, Jijo Jeron, Sahil Singh, Umar Farooq, Mohd Aqib, Alkesh AS, Samuel K V, Ashik Rahman, MD Danish, Aman Khan, Naorem Somananda

SC Delhi (4-4-2)

Nora Fernandes, Ashutosh Mehta, Manoj Mohammed, Lamgoulen Hangshing, Clarence Fernandes, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Augustine Lalrochana, Mohammed Azhar, Mohammed Aimen, Joseph Sunny, Rodriguinho.

Players to Watchout

Naorem Somananda (Indian Air Force FT)

Naorem Somananda Singh’s stunning first-half strike and a second-half own goal guided the Indian Air Force Football Team to a deserved 2-1 victory over Sri Lankan outfit Defenders FC in a Group C fixture where they pulled off a great victory. And Somananda’s passion for the crest reflects as he scored the goal and joined the party for Indian Air Force FT.

The Manipur-born midfielder, who often plays as CAM or as a Second striker and acts like a false 9, started the Durand Cup first game as a striker for his team while his team follows a compact 4-4-2 formation. Against a team like SC Delhi, his contribution is much needed.

Rodriguinho (SC Delhi)

SC Delhi have signed a Brazilian forward in their squad ahead of the new season as after his inclusion, they look absolutely great with the attacking brand of football.

Rodriguinho scored five goals in a single match against Sri Lankan side Defenders FC, beating them 7-0 and in that game the new recruit pulled his fastest gear to bag five crucial goals for his team, which made him the Durand Cup 2026 top scorer.

He struck his hat-trick in just a six-minute gap as he scored his first at the sixth minute and then in the eighth and twelfth minutes of the play, as his power-packed gameplay made his name very loud and clear and right now he is leading the Golden Boot race.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2026 clash between SC Delhi and Indian Air Force FT will be played on 10th August 2026, at 19:00 IST at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi

The match will kick off at 7 pm IST. It will be livestreamed on Sony LIV and shown live on Sony Ten 2.

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