Jamshedpur FC clinched a spot in the 135th Durand Cup last eight as one of the best runners-up following an emphatic 6-0 victory over Indian Air Force FT in Ranchi.
Jamshedpur FC stormed into the 135th Durand Cup quarterfinals after delivering a commanding 6-0 defeat to Indian Air Force FT in their final Group C fixture at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday. Raynier Fernandes put Jamshedpur ahead in the fourth minute, before 17-year-old Lawmsangzuala netted a second-half hat-trick with goals in the 55th, 64th, and 80th minutes. Aman C.K. added a fourth in the 71st minute, and Rayan C. rounded off the scoring in the 84th minute.
The victory earned Jamshedpur FC one of the two best runners-up spots with a +10 goal difference, securing their qualification alongside East Bengal FC (+12). The two sides edged out Samaleswari Sporting Club and Bodoland FC on goal difference. The six automatic quarterfinal spots were claimed by group winners Mohun Bagan SG, Indian Army FT, Sporting Club Delhi, FC Raengdai, Shillong Lajong FC, and NorthEast United FC.
In Group E, Shillong Lajong FC topped the table with seven points to advance following a 3-3 draw against Langsning FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Lajong held a half-time advantage through a brace from Brazilian forward Joao Morais (25', 30'), but Langsning responded after the break through Kyrmenskhem Mukhim (49') and Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem (63'). Everbrightson Sana restored Lajong's lead in the 82nd minute before Syed Ahmed equalised for Langsning in stoppage time (90+1'). Langsning finished on five points and was eliminated.
In a Group F clash at Guwahati, Bodoland FC recorded a 6-0 win over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. Halicharan Narzary scored four goals (11' pen, 28', 84', 90+4'), accompanied by strikes from Kaushik Daimari in the 51st minute and Gwgwmsar Gayary in the 89th minute.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.