IMPHAL, SEPTEMBER 7: North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association (NEROCA) FC created history by becoming the first club from Manipur to participate and enter the semi finals of the Durand Cup. Throughout the tournament, the club has not lost a game and remains undefeated in the league.
NEROCA FC entered the semi-finals after a hard-fought draw over the Army Red in the 128th edition of Durand Cup. With just a draw needed from the last match, NEROCA held Army Red to 2-2 to take one crucial point to enter the semis.
During the match, Red Army got an early breakthrough within 10 minutes and took the lead in the first half. But Sushil equalised for NEROCA FC in the 54th minute through a penalty kick. Referee penalised Army Red for a fault on Ronald, whereas Ronald also added another goal in the 76th minute of the match to take a 2-1 lead.
Army Red however equalised via a controversial penalty in the 86th minute but it was enough for Neroca FC to qualify for the semi-finals. Along with Aizawl FC from Mizoram, two northeast clubs will be playing in the semi-final of the Durand Cup.
Neroca FC is the first team from Manipur to participate in India's oldest football tournament, Durand Cup, whose 128th edition started from August 29. Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia and the third oldest in the world. Up next, NEROCA FC will take on DSK Shivajians on September 9 at Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi.
