FC Raengdai continued its remarkable debut campaign in the 2026 Durand Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over TRAU FC in a dramatic Group D encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Monday, while fellow newcomers Langsning FC marked their first appearance in the tournament with an emphatic 5-0 win over Mumbay FC in Shillong.
In Imphal, FC Raengdai overcame the challenge of playing in front of a partisan home crowd to secure a second consecutive victory and move to the top of Group D with six points from two matches. The result strengthened the debutant’s position in the standings, leaving TRAU with just one point from two games. Neroca occupies second place with one point from a single match, while the Indian Navy remains at the bottom without a victory.
Mridul Doley was the standout performer for Raengdai, producing a match-winning hat-trick in a contest that swung repeatedly between the two sides. He struck twice before the half-hour mark to hand his side a commanding advantage.
TRAU responded through Chanam Akash Meitei just before the break to reduce the deficit, but Chongtham Kishan Singh restored Raengdai’s two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time.
The hosts mounted a spirited comeback after the restart. Afdal Varikkodan scored within two minutes of the second half, before an own goal by Lanchungrei Pamei in the 67th minute brought TRAU level and set up a tense finish. However, Doley completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute, restoring Raengdai’s lead and ultimately sealing all three points for the competition’s surprise package.
Meanwhile, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Langsning FC produced a dominant second-half performance to register a commanding 5-0 victory over Mumbay FC in a Group E clash.
The home side endured a frustrating first half as both teams went into the interval without a goal. However, Langsning transformed the contest after the break, overwhelming the visitors with five unanswered goals.
Syed Ahmed starred with a brace, while Kyrmenskhem Mukhim, Dibormi Chanlang Ki O Kassar and substitute Samuel Phawa each added a goal to complete an impressive team display.
The comprehensive victory handed Langsning FC the perfect start to its maiden Durand Cup campaign and delighted the home supporters, underlining the growing impact of tournament debutants in this year’s competition.
