Yesterday's Himalayan Derby in the Durand Cup between Tribhuvan Army Club and 1 Ladakh FC - Who was the victor?
In Jamshedpur on August 2, 2025, Ladakh FC and Tribhuvan Army FC faced off in a thrilling Durand Cup group stage encounter. The match, which was part of both teams' Durand Cup campaign, saw Ladakh FC's debutants displaying impressive organisation and quick counters to relieve pressure.
The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Nirajan Dhami scored a calm finish following a swift counterattack for Tribhuvan Army FC. However, Ladakh FC responded with a historic moment just before half-time. Defender Siju, a key player for Ladakh FC, scored the first-ever goal for his team in the Durand Cup tournament, making him the first Ladakhi player to achieve this feat.
The second half saw both teams experiencing fatigue, with several players requiring treatment and hydration breaks. Despite Tribhuvan Army FC maintaining dominance in possession during the second half, they struggled to create clear-cut chances until the final 20 minutes. On a few occasions, they came close to scoring, with a curling effort narrowly missing the post.
Ladakh FC's defence remained resolute, anchored by a disciplined backline and sharp goalkeeping. The midfield of Tribhuvan Army FC dictated the play, creating multiple half-chances, but the Ladakh FC defence held firm.
In the final moments of the match, Tribhuvan Army FC equalised with a goal by Nirajan Dhami, securing a well-earned 1-1 draw for both teams. The match ended with two minutes of added time, leaving both sets of players and fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Despite the result, this Durand Cup encounter was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams, showcasing a exciting and hard-fought contest in the Indian football scene.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3]
[1] After the thrilling Durand Cup match in Jamshedpur, players from both Ladakh FC and Tribhuvan Army FC may consider incorporating educational seminars on sports nutrition and recovery methods, aiming to improve their performance in future European-leagues and Premier-League contests.
[2] Post-match analysis, as shown in Source 1, emphasized the need for Ladakh FC to focus on improving their ball control and retention, especially against stronger opponents in the European leagues and Premier League they aim to compete in, as highlighted in Source 2 and Source 3.
[3] In light of Siju's historic goal for Ladakh FC and his unique position as the first Ladakhi player to score in the Durand Cup, health and fitness coaches could consider tailoring individual training programs for players hailing from diverse regions, fostering a more inclusive and representative football environment in India.