Jamshedpur (Jharkhand)[India], August 3 (ANI): Debutants 1 Ladakh FC made a dream begin to their maiden Durand Cup marketing campaign by holding seasoned Nepalese facet Tribhuvan Army FC to a 1-1 attract a hard-fought Group C encounter of the 134th Durand Cup, which was performed right here on the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Defender Siju headed within the opener within the twenty third minute to script historical past because the first-ever Ladakhi participant to attain within the iconic match, earlier than Tribhuvan Army’s Nirajan Dhami equalised with a relaxed end simply earlier than the break.
Tribhuvan Army FC Head Coach Megh Raj Okay.C. made three modifications to his beginning line-up, bringing in goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu, Aviskar Khadka and Nirajan Dhami rather than Samit Shrestha, Aayush Timsina and Nawayug Shrestha. 1 Ladakh FC Head Coach Rajan Mani fielded a robust eleven in a 4-3-3 formation with a lethal trio of Kamalesh, Ajay and Bhaaranyu, main the assault.
1 Ladakh FC is creating historical past as they turn into the primary group from the Himalayan area to characteristic in Asia’s oldest soccer match, and they’re making an attempt to soak within the environment. They are enjoying with a youthful squad and making their debut in a nationwide match for the primary time of their historical past.
In what marks a landmark event for Ladakh soccer, debutants 1 Ladakh FC surprised Tribhuvan Army FC with an early lead on the JRD Tata Sports Complex. In the twenty third minute, defender Siju powered a exact header from a nook to provide the youthful facet a shock benefit.
Tribhuvan Army, dominant in possession throughout the opening exchanges, struggled to create clear-cut possibilities till the ultimate 20 minutes. By the thirty fifth minute, a Ladakh stalling their momentum however Tribhuvan Army grew into the sport and, within the fortieth minute, Nirajan Dhami delivered a composed end, tapping in a by ball following a swift counterattack to stage the rating and execute a trademark ‘Siu’ celebration. Two minutes of added time adopted, and the half ended at 1-1.
The second half started with Tribhuvan Army FC pushing ahead with urgency, dominating possession and setting the tempo. Their midfield started to dictate the play, creating a number of half-chances by each flanks. Despite the stress, 1 Ladakh FC’s defence remained resolute, anchored by a disciplined backline and sharp goalkeeping.
Tribhuvan Army’s forwards tried to interrupt by with fast mixtures and set items, however Ladakh’s debutants stayed organized, typically resorting to fast counters to alleviate the stress. As the half wore on, fatigue set in, with a number of gamers from either side requiring remedy and hydration breaks.
While the Nepal facet got here shut on a few events, most notably with a curling effort that narrowly missed the publish, they did not convert their possibilities. Ladakh confirmed grit and coronary heart, making certain the sport led to a well-earned 1-1 draw. The end result marks a proud second for 1 Ladakh FC, who claimed their first Durand Cup level in historic trend.
All 43 matches of the 134th Durand Cup will likely be broadcast dwell on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) in addition to livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform. (ANI)