Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], August 5 : A second-half strike by forward Nasir Yasa proved to be the difference as Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) FT edged past homeside Rangdajied United FC (RUFC) 1-0 in a tightly contested Group F match of the 134th Durand Cup, which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Despite Rangdajied United dominating both possession and attacking chances, it was the Malaysian side who made their moment count. Nasir Yasa, capitalising on a counter-attack in the 67th minute, calmly slotted the ball into the near post with a composed left-footed finish after being set up by Muhammad Arif, sealing the victory for the visiting side.
RUFC head coach Aiborlang Khongjee made wholesale changes to his XI, retaining only four players from the previous game, and fielded a youthful lineup in a 4-3-3 setup. Skipper Balamlynti and Meban Kurkalang led the defence, with Manbhakupar Lawphinaw at the tip of the attack and Dibormi Kassar orchestrating play from midfield.
ATM FT coach Mohamad Khairil Hafiz Mohd. Zanggi, meanwhile, introduced Mohammad Azarulhisham Anuar in goal and Muhamad Mujahid Dzakaria on the wing in his version of the 4-3-3.
The hosts started strong and had early opportunities. In the 10th minute, Lawphinaw's goal-bound effort was denied by ATM keeper Anuar. Moments later, a well-worked free kick from Balamlynti to Wadshwa Latoo saw the latter miss a free header. Bantiplang Rymbai and Stephanson Pale also tested the Malaysian keeper, but without success.
ATM FT, though quiet in attack, showed glimpses of threat. A powerful long-range shot by Muhammad Arif Aiman in the 37th minute forced RUFC keeper Banteilang Rymbai into a crucial diving save. Rangdajied thought they had taken the lead just two minutes later when Stephanson Pale found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
After a goalless but action-packed first half, Malaysian Armed Forces came out more organised in the second period, sitting deep and playing on the break. In the 56th minute, Arif Aiman nearly capitalised on a keeper's misjudgment, but a heroic goal-line clearance by Denelson denied the Malaysian side.
The pressure finally told in the 67th minute. On a textbook counterattack, Arif surged forward and rolled a perfectly weighted through-ball to Nasir Yasa, who took his chance clinically.
Aiborlang's men piled on the pressure late in the game. Captain Balamlynti delivered a perfect cross in the 81st minute that found Stephanson unmarked in the box, but his header lacked direction and landed straight in the keeper's gloves.
Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession and attacking intent, the young RUFC side lacked composure in the final third and were repeatedly denied by a resolute Malaysian defence, marshalled brilliantly by keeper Anuar and centre-back Mohamad Haziq.
Malaysian Armed Forces defended their lead with discipline and resolve, frustrating the home side and will walk away with a smile and three points from Shillong in their first Durand Cup appearance, while Rangdajied United FC will play their final group match against defending champions NorthEast United FC on August 11, before ending their campaign.