Indian Air Force held firm at the end to notch up the win.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Indian Air Force FT defeated Sri Lankan Army side Defenders FC 2-1 in a Group C match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Wednesday.
Somananda Singh handed the Indian Air Force outfit the lead in the 25th minute.
The Airmen doubled the advantage in the 68th minute when Defenders FC’s K.D.S. Sankalpa inadvertently turned Mohammad Aquib’s cross into his own net while attempting a clearance.
The Sri Lankan team responded quickly as N.M. Aflal pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Indian Air Force held firm for the remainder of the match to secure three points.
After the win, Indian Air Force moved level on points with Jamshedpur FC in the group standings. Jamshedpur, however, retains the lead on the table due to its superior goal difference (+5 against +1).
The result: Group C: Indian Air Force 2 (Somananda Singh 25, K.D.S Sankalpa 68-og) bt Defenders FC 1 (N.M. Aflal 70).
Published – July 29, 2026 09:49 pm IST
