Indian Air Force FT vs Downtown Heroes FC, Durand Cup 2024: Brace from Darius Snorton gives DHFC first group stage win

Add as a preferred source on Google

Downtown Heroes’ Liberian forward Darius Snorton Perwood scored twice against the Indian Air Force Football Team (IAFFT) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), securing the Srinagar club's first-ever win in the IndianOil Durand Cup.

Perwood’s goals in each half of the second Group A match earned the Heroes a crucial three points in their current Durand Cup 2024 campaign, after losing all three games in their debut season last year. Meanwhile, the Airmen have now lost both of their group matches.

The Kashmir team will face Emami East Bengal FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on August 7, while the Air Force team will play Mohun Bagan Super Giants in their final group match the following day at VYBK.

Heroes’ Head Coach Hilal Rasool Parray maintained the 3-5-2 formation from their first game against Mohun Bagan Super Giants but made three changes to the starting eleven. In contrast, Air Force coach Priya Darshan made five changes from their previous loss to Emami East Bengal FC.

The Heroes dominated the first half, taking the lead in the 29th minute when Perwood capitalized on a precise pass from Aafreen Parray, slipping the ball past Air Force goalkeeper Dinesh. Mohammed Inam, who controlled the midfield, initiated the play with a long ball from their own half.

Despite heavy rain in the second half and increased efforts from the Airmen, Heroes’ goalkeeper Umed was rarely challenged. Perwood secured the victory with his second goal in the 84th minute, skillfully controlling a cross, evading a defender, and confidently blasting the ball past the goalkeeper.