Kolkata: Indian Air Force caused the first upset of the 129th Durand Cup when they beat I-League debutants TRAU FC by a solitary goal at the Sailen Manna Stadium in Howrah on Friday.
Following a goalless stalemate in the first-half, the much-awaited move came from a setpiece in the 65th minute when Mohammed Aqib curled in a freekick past the Manipuri team’s goalkeeper, Tajuddin.
With the win, Indian Air Force joined Gokulam Kerala with three points in Group D before their August 14 face-off. In an inconsequential group A match in Kalyani, Army Red bounced back from a 1-2 deficit to hold Jamshedpur FC 2-2, with N Suresh Meitei scoring a brace. Meitei gave a third-minute lead to Army Red from a fine header but Jamshedpur struck twice through Vimal Kumar in the 16th and 32nd minute to lead at half time. Army Red restored parity after being awarded a penalty in the 67th minute with Meitei converting from the spot.
Army Red have two points from two matches, while Jamshedpur FC, who suffered a 0-6 rout against East Bengal in their first match, opened their tally with a point. East Bengal lead the Group A table and need a draw against Bengaluru FC on August 14 to secure a last-four spot. (PTI)
