Shillong, Aug 4: After a disappointing derby defeat in their opening match, I-League outfit Rangdajied United FC return to the pitch on Tuesday with a mission to revive their Durand Cup 2025 campaign. They will face Malaysia’s Armed Forces Football Association (ATM FA) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong at 7:00 PM IST, in a must-win Group E encounter.
Still reeling from a 1-3 loss to city rivals Shillong Lajong, the host side knows that nothing less than three points will suffice if they are to keep their hopes of qualification alive. With defending champions NorthEast United FC and a high-flying Lajong already holding the upper hand in the group, the margin for error has all but vanished.
“We’ve reflected on the mistakes from the last game,” said Rangdajied head coach Aibanjop Shadap on the eve of the match. “The team is determined to put in a better performance this time. I’ve told the players to enjoy the game, play with freedom and fight for a result we can be proud of.”
For their opponents, the Malaysian Armed Forces team, the campaign has already slipped beyond reach after suffering heavy defeats in both of their fixtures — a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Shillong Lajong followed by a 3-1 loss to NorthEast United. However, the side showed glimpses of promise in the second half of their clash against the Highlanders, with Muhammad Amir Faisal netting a consolation goal late on.
“We’re approaching every match with the intent to grow and improve,” said ATM FA’s Assistant Head Coach, Masrizar bin Mizalan. “The results haven’t gone our way, but the players are giving everything they’ve got.
Rangdajied will be another tough test, and we’re focused on finishing strong.”
For Rangdajied, the key will be discipline and control. The team struggled with rash challenges and conceded too many fouls in their opening match, often breaking their own momentum despite creating some decent attacking chances. Their tactical structure will need tightening if they are to break down the Malaysian defence, which has been vulnerable under sustained pressure.
As the group stage heads into its final stretch, every match now carries weight. Group E remains finely poised behind the frontrunners, and for teams like Rangdajied United and Indian Army in Group C, the remaining games could make or break their tournament.
The stakes are high and the pressure is mounting — Tuesday’s fixtures could well define the road to the knockouts.
