Kolkata, Aug 2: Durand Cup debutants Samaleswari Sporting pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, edging two-time champions Mohammedan SC 3-2 in a thrilling Group B clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.
The Odisha-based side raced into a two-goal lead through captain Basit Ahmed Bhat and Russian striker Marat Tareck before Mohammedan staged a spirited comeback after the break. Goals from Lalthankima and Lalngaihsaka restored parity, but substitute Veer Arjun Joshi struck the winner with a superb late free-kick to seal all three points.
The victory took Samaleswari Sporting to six points from three matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Mohammedan remained on three points after two outings.
Mohammedan dominated possession from the opening whistle and pinned Samaleswari deep inside their own half, with F. Lalremsanga proving a constant threat down the flanks. However, the visitors defended resolutely before taking the lead against the run of play in the 11th minute.
Hafiz Ur Rehman Khan floated in a dangerous corner that Basit Ahmed Bhat met with a well-timed near-post run before guiding the ball past the goalkeeper to hand Samaleswari the advantage.
Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Mohammedan struggled to break down the disciplined Samaleswari defence. Instead, the visitors doubled their lead in the 27th minute through Marat Tareck. Hafiz Ur Rehman Khan’s long pass released the Russian striker, who controlled the ball expertly, beat his marker and calmly slotted into the bottom corner.
Mohammedan pushed hard before the interval but failed to find a breakthrough despite creating several promising opportunities.
The hosts returned with renewed purpose after the restart and finally reduced the deficit in the 60th minute. Lalremsanga delivered a cutback from the right for Lalthankima, who finished from close range.
Just six minutes later, Mohammedan drew level in fortunate fashion. Lalngaihsaka’s powerful long-range effort struck the crossbar before rebounding off Samaleswari goalkeeper Aaryan Anjaneya and crossing the goal line for an own goal.
With momentum firmly on their side, Mohammedan continued to press for a winner and created several chances, but Lalthankima was unable to convert two clear opportunities to complete the turnaround.
Samaleswari, however, made the hosts pay in the 81st minute. Awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, substitute Veer Arjun Joshi curled a superb effort over the wall and beyond the goalkeeper to restore the visitors’ lead.
Mohammedan’s hopes of rescuing a point suffered another setback in the closing stages when substitute Thokchom Adison Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite late pressure from the Kolkata giants, Samaleswari defended resolutely to secure a memorable 3-2 victory on their Durand Cup debut and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
