Durand Cup: Samaleswari stuns Mohammedan SC
Debutant Samaleswari Sporting defeated two-time champion Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-2 in a Group B match of the 135th Durand Cup. The victory places the Sambalpur-based team at the top of their group standings.
Why it matters
The Durand Cup is one of India's oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, and this result marks a significant upset in the current competition.
Debutant Samaleswari Sporting pulled off a major surprise by defeating two-time champion Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-2 in a thrilling Group B match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday.
The Sambalpur-based side made an impressive start, taking a two-goal lead before half-time through strikes from Basit Ahmed Bhat and Russian forward Marat Tareck. Mohammedan SC responded strongly after the break, with Lalthankima and Lalngaihsaka finding the net to level the scores by the 66th minute.
Just when the match appeared headed for a draw, Veer Arjun Joshi produced a fine free-kick in the 81st minute to restore Samaleswari’s lead and seal a memorable victory.
Mohammedan SC’s substitute Adison Singh was red-carded in injury time.
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