Durand Cup: Army Red stun former champs Dempo FC, Indian Navy cruise

On a day of upsets, Services outfits Indian Navy and Army Red upset fancied Minerva FC (Chandigarh) 3-0 and former champions Dempo FC 2-1 respectively, in the 128th Durand football tournament at Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday.

In Pool B, Dempo are now in a precarious position with one point from three matches.

Neroca FC of Manipur top this group with four points from two matches, along with Army Red who also have the same number of points.

In Pool A, highly rated Minerva FC have lost both their matches and are also on the brink of elimination. Indian Navy have four points from two matches.

DSK Shivajians have won both games so far and top Pool A with six points from two matches.

Playing spirited football, Indian Navy scored thrice in the first half to leave Minerva FC gasping. Striker Pawandeep Singh took advantage of the fragile Minerva defence and scored in the 30 and 37th minutes. Substitute Lalchauanmawia made it 3-0 in the 40th minute. Minerva had former international Clifford Miranda on the flanks but Indian Navy held firm to win 3-0.

The second match was a battle of attrition. Midfielder C. Lallianmawia put Army Red ahead in the 52nd minute. Dempo midfielder Mario Mascerenhas equalised 15 minutes later.

Army Red attacked with gusto and Dempo goalkeeper Tyson Caiado made some vital saves.

In the fourth minute of added time, Army Red defender Francis Zonunthnga took a rising shot from outside the box and it sailed into the net past the unsighted Dempo goalkeeper Caiado, for a 2-1 victory.