Durand Cup Thrills: Mohammedan SC and Inter Kashi Draw, Jamshedpur FC Triumphs

Former champions Mohammedan SC and newcomers Inter Kashi FC played an exciting 1-1 draw in a Group B fixture of the Durand Cup. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC dominated Assam Rifles Football Team with a commanding 3-0 victory in Group D, led by goals from Mohammed Sanan and Imran Khan.

In an exhilarating Group B match of the Durand Cup held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, former champions Mohammedan SC and debutants Inter Kashi FC battled to a 1-1 draw. Inter Kashi's Serbian midfielder Nikola Stojanovic opened the scoring in the first half, only for Ashley Alban Koli's stunning free kick to equalize for Mohammedan SC.

Mohammedan SC, fielding their reserve side in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Head Coach Hakim Ssengendo, saw Tanmoy Ghosh lead the young team. Inter Kashi's Head Coach Arata Izumi deployed a strong starting eleven with Spaniards Mario Barco Villar and Julen Perez Del Pino spearheading the attack. Both teams took a cautious approach amid relentless rain, with Inter Kashi dominating possession. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between, until Stojanovic's 30-yard strike broke the deadlock against his former side.

In the second half, Mohammedan SC upped their game with more attacking intent. Ashley Alban Koli eventually leveled the score with a majestic 25-yard free-kick. Despite further efforts from both sides, the match ended in a draw. In another Group D match, Jamshedpur FC triumphed 3-0 over Assam Rifles Football Team, with Mohammed Sanan scoring twice and Imran Khan adding a third.

Under head coach Khalid Jamil, Jamshedpur FC, featuring new signings Mobashir Rahman, Ashutosh Mehta, and Albino Gomes, dominated from the start but failed to score in the first half. The breakthrough came early in the second half when Sanan scored from close range. Aniket Jadhav's introduction bolstered Jamshedpur's attack, and Sanan netted again in the 68th minute followed by Khan's late volley to seal the win.

Jamshedpur FC will face Chennaiyin FC in their next group stage match on August 4th at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

(With inputs from agencies.)