DSK Shivajians FC registered a historic 2-1 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa in their first-ever appearance in the 128th Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi on Sunday.

First-half strikes from midfielder Rohit Kumar (9th minute) and North Korean Kim Song-Young (43rd minute) helped DSK Shivajians impress in the inaugural match of the tournament. The Goans pulled one back via striker Victorino Fernandes (63rd minute) in the second half.

The victory gave DSK Shivajians three points and helped them open their account in Group A.

Playing the tournament for the first time, DSK Shivajians broke the deadlock early through an intelligent move. Skipper Juan Quero, from the right flank, delivered a ball which Kim left for Rohit. The midfielder utilised the opportunity and hammered the ball in from the edge of the box and lead 1-0.

DSK Shivajians restricted the Goans from attacking which resulted in the opponents trying from long distances.

Two minutes before half-time, DSK Shivajians added another goal. This time again it was skipper Juan Quero’s try from the edge of the box that crashed off the horizontal and fell at Kim’s feet who tapped in past goalkeeper Ravi Kumar from close.

Eighteen minutes after resumption, Sporting Clube de Goa pulled one back. Striker Victorino reached out to the end of the ball sent in by Seriton Fernandes and found a way past DSK Shivajians ‘keeper Rakshit Dagar.

Having conceded, DSK Shivajians came close to increasing the lead. A foul on DSK Shivajians Maan Singh led to a free kick which Quero took and found Shane McFaul. The delivery was long and good , but Shane’s header on target was held on by the Sporting keeper Ravi Kumar.

At the other end, DSK Shivajians FC ‘keeper Rakshit made a heroic save to deny Sporting Clube de Goa a chance of equalizing when he blocked Victorino’s try from close.

In the closing minutes, DSK Shivajians FC went close again when Surachandra Singh almost had substitute Hitova in the clear, but to his dismay Sporting Clube defender Loveday intercepted the move.

A minute before full time, Sporting Club had a last ditch effort hit the post when Glan Martins’ crashed his free-kick on the vertical.

(DSK Shivajians FC Press Release)