Jamshedpur FC sealed a place in the Durand Cup 2026 quarterfinals after crushing Indian Air Force FT 6-0 in their final Group C match at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Thursday.
Raynier Fernandes gave Jamshedpur a flying start with a fourth-minute goal before 17-year-old Lawmsangzuala stole the show in the second half. The youngster scored a hat-trick, completing it in the 80th minute, while Aman C.K. and Rayan C. also found the net in the emphatic victory.
The result put Jamshedpur in contention for one of the two quarterfinal spots available to the best second-placed teams. Their qualification was confirmed following the final group match later in the evening.
The achievement carries added significance as Jamshedpur are competing in their final tournament as a professional club. Owner Tata Group announced earlier this month that the club would be shut down.
Elsewhere, Shillong Lajong FC secured top spot in Group E following an entertaining 3-3 draw with Langsning FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Brazilian forward Joao Morais scored twice as Lajong entered half-time with a 2-0 advantage. Langsning fought back through Kyrmenskhem Mukhim and Wadajied Kynsai, levelling the contest by the 63rd minute.
Everbrightson Sana restored Lajong’s advantage in the 82nd minute, but Syed Ahmed struck in stoppage time to earn Langsning a draw. Lajong finished with seven points from three matches to win the group, while Langsning ended with five and were eliminated.
In Group F, former India international Halicharan Narzary delivered a standout performance as Bodoland FC defeated Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC 6-0 in Guwahati. Narzary scored four goals and provided two assists, while Kaushik Daimari and Gwgwmsar Gayary completed the scoring.
Despite the big win, Bodoland failed to reach the last eight.
Mohun Bagan SG, Indian Army FT, Sporting Club Delhi, FC Raengdai, Shillong Lajong and NorthEast United FC qualified automatically as group winners.
Four teams finished on six points in the battle for the two remaining places. East Bengal FC advanced with a goal difference of +12, while Jamshedpur’s +10 secured the final berth. Samaleswari Sporting Club and Bodoland FC, both on +3, missed out.
The four quarterfinal matches are scheduled for August 16 and 17, with the fixtures decided after the completion of the group stage.
