The AIFF Elite Academy got their campaign up and running as Milan Basumatary’s brace in second half demolished YCC Chandigarh 5-0 in their opening preliminary knockout match of 127th edition of Durand Cup in Goa on Monday, October 20.

YCC Chandigarh arrived as rank outsiders, but seemed determined to enjoy their adventure, giving the AIFF Elite Academy a few anxious moments as they made a lively start. However, they were throbbed by a moment of class in the 33rd minute, when Amey Ranawade’s cross was cut back by Prasanth for Robinson Singh, who tapped the ball low past opponent’s goalkeeper and opened an account for the AIFF Elite Academy.

An early introduction of Malsawmzuala in the midfield alongside Robinson Singh gave the AIFF colts more attacking grips to the proceedings. Three half chances all fell to Daniel Lalhlimpuia, but the attacking midfielder could not take an advantage of any.

At the cusp of the interval, the score could have been more one-sided with Robinson Singh bolting a shot just wide of the post but the AIFF colts went into the break with one goal lead.

The second half did not opened up significantly but the AIFF Elite Academy came out with the knowledge they had what it took to secure their berth in the next round. Competing in Durand cup for the first time, the AIFF colts were undone. They launched series of attack in the space of 10 minutes.

Rakesh Oram notched a second for the AIFF in 53rd minute on Milan Basumatary’s low drive which ricocheted for the reckless winger to place his shot into the bottom corner. In the thick of things the visitors found themselves 3-0 down in 55th minute, when Prasanth latched on to Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s decisive through ball before placing the ball into far post.

Milan Basumatary found the right bottom corner to see him on a score sheet after evading his marker to latch onto Malsawmzuala’s through ball. The AIFF Elite Academy introduced their passing machine; Hayden Fernandes in 65th minute, who was instrumental in 21 passes move which lead to the AIFF’s fifth goal scored by Milan Basumatary on Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s measured through ball.

In a Second knockout encounter, Goa Velha SC beat Corps of Signals 2-1 on at the Raia Sports Complex. Goa Velha, playing in the Goa Pro League will be facing the AIFF Elite Academy in Round two of Durand cup on October 24 at 3MTR signals ground, Goa.

(Report & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)