Imphal, July 30 -- The 134th Durand Cup roared to life in classic fashion as the Imphal Derby delivered drama, intensity, and a stoppage-time twist.
A resolute NEROCA FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against a valiant but ultimately undermanned TRAU FC in their Group E opener at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium played in the packed stadium today.
Khunjamayum Raj Singh's curling second-half strike had put TRAU in front, but Arunkumar Singh's diving header deep into added time ensured the spoils were shared in one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Indian football.
TRAU head coach Thangjam Saran Singh opted for an all-Indian XI, deploying a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation spearheaded by Nepolean Morangthem. NEROCA's Gyan Moyon, meanwhile, showe...