Buyamayum brace helps TRAU FC stun Indian Navy 2-1 in Durand Cup

Afridi Buyamayum scored twice as TRAU FC defeated Indian Navy 2-1 in their final Group D match of the Durand Cup in Imphal. Goalkeeper Tajuddin also starred as TRAU withstood sustained pressure to secure victory

Hyderabad: Afridi Buyamayum scored twice, including a spectacular second-half strike, as TRAU FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Indian Navy FT in their final Group D fixture of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Sunday.

Despite being dominated for large periods and facing relentless pressure from Indian Navy, who registered a staggering 26 attempts on goal, TRAU FC produced a clinical display in front of goal. Buyamayum’s brace and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Tajuddin helped the Manipur side hold on for all three points.

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Buyamayum opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Indian Navy responded immediately after half-time through Khullakpam Zahir Khan. However, Buyamayum restored TRAU’s advantage in the 60th minute with a stunning strike to put his side back in front.

The result saw TRAU FC finish second in Group D with four points from three matches. Indian Navy also ended its group-stage campaign with three points from three matches, with both sides bowing out before the quarter-finals. The result also confirmed debutants FC Raengdai as Group D winners, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Completely against the run of play, TRAU produced a moment of brilliance in the 16th minute. Afridi Buyamayum found a pocket of space outside the box before unleashing a sensational right-footed curling effort that flew into the top corner, leaving Bhaskar Roy with no chance. It was TRAU’s first attempt of the match and completely changed the complexion of the contest.

The Navy needed just 16 seconds after the restart to restore parity. Khullakpam Zahir Khan surged through the heart of the TRAU defence following a defensive lapse before keeping his composure to slot the ball into the net and make it 1-1.

Yet, much like in the first half, TRAU struck against the run of play. On the hour mark, the hosts broke quickly down the right on a counter-attack, with Afridi Buyamayum once again providing the decisive touch to complete his brace and restore TRAU’s lead at 2-1.

Indian Navy responded by throwing more players forward in search of another equaliser, but Tajuddin stood tall in the TRAU goal. The goalkeeper produced the save of the match in the 65th minute, acrobatically tipping a powerful long-range effort over the crossbar after the shot took a dangerous deflection.