Durand Cup: Samaleswari Sporting upset Mohammedan Sporting 3-2 at Salt Lake Stadium

Debutant Samaleswari Sporting defeated two-time champion Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-2 in a Group B match of the 135th Durand Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The Sambalpur-based side led 2-0 at half-time before Mohammedan drew level and Veer Arjun Joshi's 81st-minute free-kick restored Samaleswari's advantage.

Samaleswari struck early through Basit Ahmed Bhat in the 11th minute and Russian forward Marat Tareck doubled the lead in the 27th minute to put the newcomers firmly in control before the interval. Mohammedan rallied after the break with goals from Lalthankima in the 60th minute and Lalngaihsaka in the 66th to make it 2-2.

Veer Arjun Joshi delivered the decisive moment with a free-kick in the 81st minute that put Samaleswari back in front. Mohammedan substitute Adison Singh was sent off in injury time.

The win completed Samaleswari's Group B campaign with six points from three matches, placing them top of the table. Mohammedan remained second with three points from two matches.

The result: Group B: Mohammedan SC 2 (Lalthankima 60, Lalngaihsaka 66) lost to Samaleswari Sporting 3 (Basit Bhat 11, Marat Tareck 27, Veer Arjun Joshi 81).

The race for qualification from the group remains open, as Indian Army, also on three points after beating Samaleswari in the opening match, still have two matches left to play.