WATCH: Hnamte's stellar brace against Jamshedpur FC in SC Delhi debut

Hnamte’s brace sealed 2-1 comeback win for Delhi against Red Miners in Ranchi

Hailing from the capital city of New Delhi, SC Delhi were playing their first-ever game in the Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi against the home team Jamshedpur FC.

Jamshedpur FC kickstarted their Durand Cup campaign with a big win over Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC. However, the news of Jamshedpur FC suspending their first team operations and withdrawing from the Indian Super League sent shockwaves across the football fraternity.

SC Delhi were aware that the challenge ahead was massive. They were drawn in Group C alongside former ISL Champions Jamshedpur FC, Indian Air Force and Defenders SC. In such a tight group, every point counts, every goal matters, and every save goes on to make a big difference in the end.

The game between SC Delhi and Jamshedpur FC was set to be a nail-biting thriller with the winner almost clinching the top spot in Group C and advancing past the group stages.

Hnamte scored brace on debut for SC Delhi

The game began with Jamshedpur FC’s Sanan breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute. It seemed as if the Red Miners would leave no stone unturned to play and honour their passionate fans, who filled the stadium in good numbers despite rain and thunderstorms delaying the kick off time.

After the end of the first 45 minutes, the Red Miners were leading 1-0 and Tomasz Tchorz’s side needed a big comeback to vie for the top spot. A defeat here would have guaranteed the top spot for the Red Miners.

SC Delhi had to score at least twice to have any hopes for a potential comeback. But all odds favoured the Red Miners, who were backed by their home supporters in Ranchi.

But as soon as the clock struck the 50th minute, Hnamte scored the equaliser. It was his debut match for SC Delhi, and the 23-year-old midfielder scored on his debut. Aimen’s shot was saved but Hnamte reacted quickly to find the back of the net.

The first time was so good that Hnamte had to do it twice. He struck again in the 56th minute. Augustine had cut it back in the danger zone, and Hnamte smashed it at the near post to make it 2-1 for SC Delhi.

Hnamte’s brace was the sole differentiating factor that sealed all three points for SC Delhi, who have their fate in their own hand and are the prime favourites to top Group C.

Hnamte made high profile switch from Chennaiyin FC

The Mizoram-born midfielder is one of the brightest talents in the midfield. At just the young age of 23, he has already played for two of the biggest clubs in Indian football, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

He then found his new home with the Marina Machans in Chennai, where he played two seasons and grabbed a lot of spotlight there. Following his brilliant spell with the Marina Machans, Hnamte made a move to the capital city of Delhi to help Tomasz Tchorz’s side compete for top honours.

It was his debut in SC Delhi colours, and Hnamte scored a brace to help the capital outfit clinch all three points to become the favourites to top Group C in Durand Cup 2026.

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