Red Pythons Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC came from behind to beat a spirited Army Red by 2-1 goals 131st Indian Oil Durand Cup 2022 at Main Stadium, Khuman Lampak.  

The Group C clashed with Army Team which wore a positive look in the first half and went into the break with a 1-0 goals lead through Liton Shil strike but late strikes in the second half from Boirangdao Bodo and L Milan Singh made a comeback for TRAU FC for the victory.

Army Red made most of the moves in the first half, creating chances but unable to make proper connection for quite a time. TRAU FC had their moment but Khanngam wasted the chances.
 
Later in the 20nd minute, Army Reds had their real chances but Shubham Rana header was way off target. Khongsai too missed another sitter as the Reds pressed on. But they finally got the breakthrough in the 35th minute of the game from striker Liton Shil.

Collecting a pass from Deepak from the right flank, Liton Shil ploughed through to the rival danger zone and made a right-footer on the run. TRAU FC Jedidi Haokip made a feeble stop, clearing the ball but Liton was there to pounce on the rebound and slot it into the back of the goal.

The second half proved more fruitful for TRAU FC as they continued to attack with pace but were lacking in transforming into goal. The Army Red team seemed to be wanting to defend the one goal advantage and were not creating as much as they were in the first. TRAU FC tireless running finally got them the purchase they were looking for as late as the 81st minute of the game.

Kamardeep attempted a clearance from deep inside the Reds defence, struck a TRAU attacker and rebounded inside the box kindly for the forever trying Boirangdao Bodo. The home-side forward drove inside with a good first touch and powered a shot in between the legs of Army keeper Bhabindra Thakuri, who had not much to do till then in the game.

The lead came the homeside’s way in the 89th when a cross by Roshan Singh from the right flank saw a very casual and perhaps tired clearance from the Reds defence. It only found a waiting L Milan who was brought in just six minutes ago and he made no mistake to find the back of the net.

There was not much time for the Reds to come back and the local crowd was ecstatic with their favourite side’s first win of the tournament.

TRAU FC in their next match on September 1 will face Chennaiyin FC while Army Red will meet Hyderabad FC on September 3 at Main Stadium, Khuman Lampak.