South United FC players celebrate a goal.
| Photo Credit: X@IndianFootball
South United FC climbed to the top of Group-A with a comfortable 2-0 win over CISF Protectors in the 135th Durand Cup at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Tuesday.
After a barren first half, the Bengaluru-based side broke the deadlock in the 65th minute from a corner. A powerful header by Rowan James struck the upright before reaching Rishik Shetty, who tapped home the rebound. South United sealed the victory in the 84th minute when substitute Ashish Chetry guided B. Abhiram’s measured cross into the net. The win took South United to the top of the standings on goal difference ahead of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with both teams on three points.
Goalless draw
Meanwhile, the Group-D opener between Imphal rivals TRAU FC and NEROCA FC ended in a goalless draw at the Khuman Lampak Stadium.
Both teams created several scoring opportunities in a closely contested encounter but failed to convert their chances.
TRAU was reduced to 10 men after Ugandan midfielder Adriko Rogers was sent off for receiving his second yellow card.
However, NEROCA failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage, and the match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 stalemate.
The results: Group- A (Kolkata): South United FC 2 (Rishik Shetty 65, Ashish Chetry 84) bt CISF Protectors 0.
Group- D (Imphal): NEROCA FC 0 drew with TRAU FC 0.
Published – July 28, 2026 10:37 pm IST
