FC Goa vs Tribhuvan Army FC, Durand Cup 2024: Gaurs manage tough 2-1 win against impressive Nepal army team

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former Indian Super League (ISL) league and shield winners FC Goa moved to the top of Group F in the Durand Cup 2024 with a 2-1 win over Nepal's Tribhuvan Army FC at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The Gaurs secured victory with goals from Lalthangliana and Sitroy Carvalho, despite a second-half surge from Tribhuvan Army, who narrowed the deficit with a stunning strike from Basant Jimba. This win marked FC Goa's second consecutive triumph, while Tribhuvan Army suffered their second straight defeat.

The match featured the tournament's fastest goal so far when, just after kick-off, Devendra Murgaokar played a precise through ball to Lalthangliana, who drove into the Tribhuvan box from the right and finished confidently, placing his shot into the bottom corner past Nepal's goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu.

After the early goal, the game settled, with neither team managing a shot on target for the remainder of the first half. Although Tribhuvan Army found the back of the net once, the goal was disallowed for offside.

Goa doubled their lead early in the second half when Sitroy Carvalho tapped in a goal after Devendra Mungekar flicked a header into his path from a corner. Tribhuvan Army then mounted a comeback, creating several chances and finally breaking through when Basant Jimba, surrounded by Goa defenders, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from distance to score.

FC Goa was reduced to 10 men when Sitroy Carvalho was sent off for a second yellow card, leading to increased pressure from Tribhuvan Army. However, the Gaurs held firm and secured the win. Remarkably, the game saw only three shots on target, all of which resulted in goals.