Durand Cup 2026
Ranchi, July 26: Raynier Fernandes marked his debut with a stunning hat-trick as Jamshedpur FC opened their Group C Durand Cup campaign in style, thrashing Sri Lankan Armed Forces side Defenders FC 5-0 at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Sunday.
Fernandes struck in the fourth, sixth and 82nd minutes, while Aman C.K. (23rd) and Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar (39th) also scored as the Indian Super League side dominated throughout. Jamshedpur raced into a two-goal lead inside six minutes through Fernandes, who first headed in Sanan Mohammed’s cross before firing home from outside the box after goalkeeper TS Priyashan failed to clear Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu’s delivery. The Red Miners continued to control possession, with Sanan and Lalhriatpuia creating constant problems for the visitors. Aman made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, latching onto a long diagonal pass before deftly lifting the ball over Priyashan. Murgaokar added the fourth six minutes before halftime when Aman’s low cross deflected off his chest and wrong-footed the goalkeeper, leaving Jamshedpur with a commanding 4-0 lead at the break. Defenders FC improved after the restart, with Priyashan producing several fine saves and the visitors enjoying more possession, but they struggled to threaten Jamshedpur’s goal.
Fernandes completed his memorable debut eight minutes from time, pouncing on a rebound after substitute Lawmsangzuala’s shot was spilled by Priyashan to seal a comprehensive victory. (Agencies)
