NEROCA FC defeat TRAU FC 3-1

Imphal: Neroca FC came away with the Imphal Derby bragging rights, posting a 3-1 victory over Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC at the Khuman Lampak stadium here, as the 131st IndianOil Durand Cup got off to a rousing start in the state of Manipur on Thursday.

For NEROCA Tangva scored at 16’, Thomyo at 36’ and John Chidi at 50’, while TRAU FC’s Komron scored at 19’.

Tangva Ragui put the Orange brigade ahead as early as the 16th minute, only for Komron Tursunov to equalize three minutes later.

Thomyo then headed in to put Neroca ahead again, before Nigerian John Chidi took advantage of a defensive error to score the insurance goal, in the 50th minute of the second half.

This was the first game in Group C and more importantly, the first ever football match in the state of Manipur.

Rajnath Singh, defence minister and N. Biren Singh, chief minister, grace the opening ceremony.

The 131st IndianOil Durand Cup is being supported in Manipur by the Government of Manipur and the elaborate opening ceremony organixed before the historic first-ever Durand Cup game in the state.

Over 25,000 people witnessed the match.

Incidentally, the Manipur chief minister is also a former winner of the Durand Cup.

The ceremony also included an Armed Forces bands display as well as an energetic performance of the tournament theme song by star singers Papon and Rewben Mashangwa.

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the FIFA Theme song and introduction of dignitaries with the players and their photos with the teams and the Durand Trophies.