NEROCA FC share spoils with Indian Navy after goalless draw

NEROCA FC and Indian Navy FT played out a hard-fought goalless draw in their Group F encounter of the 134th Durand Cup to earn a point each at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium here on Thursday. Despite several half-chances and moments of promise, both sides failed to find the finishing touch in a match that was high on midfield battles and defensive organisation.

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Deny Singh of the Indian Navy made the first attempt in the 6th minute with a right-footed strike from the wing, but NEROCA's keeper Jetli Sorokhaibam was equal to the task, diving low to his left to make a comfortable save.

The Orange Brigade responded in the 11th minute when a throughball from midfield released Lourembam on the left. He sprinted down the flank and fired a shot at goal, but Bhaskar Roy handled it without fuss. The next few minutes saw NEROCA dominate possession, testing the Sailors' defensive line with bursts from Lourembam and Rohit Meetei, but the Navy defenders held firm.