Fourth-tier outfit Samaleswari SC produced one of the biggest surprises of the Durand Cup 2026 by defeating Mohammedan Sporting 3-2 in a thrilling group-stage encounter, moving to the top of their group after two rounds.
The Odisha-based side overcame a spirited second-half comeback from Mohammedan Sporting, with Veer Joshi scoring the decisive goal nine minutes from full time to secure a memorable victory. The result came as a major setback for Mohammedan Sporting, who had begun their campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-0 win over Banaras Baghpat.
Samaleswari made an impressive start and took the lead in the 11th minute through Basit Ahmed Bhat. The forward met a delivery with a clinical header, leaving the Mohammedan Sporting defence under early pressure.
The underdogs doubled their advantage 16 minutes later when Marat Tarek capitalised on a defensive lapse. After beating a Mohammedan Sporting defender, Tarek calmly slotted the ball into an open net to put Samaleswari firmly in control before the break.
Mohammedan Sporting responded strongly after halftime and gradually worked their way back into the contest. Their first breakthrough came on the hour mark when Lalthankima Rotluanga guided a cross from the right into the net, reducing the deficit and reviving his side’s hopes.
Just six minutes later, the Kolkata club drew level through David Ngaihte. His powerful long-range effort struck the upright before ricocheting off the goalkeeper and into the goal, completing an impressive comeback and setting up a tense final phase of the match.
However, Samaleswari had the final say. In the 81st minute, Veer Joshi stepped up to take a free-kick and delivered a clinical right-footed strike that found the back of the net, restoring his team’s lead and ultimately proving to be the match-winner.
Joshi, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder from the United States, recently moved to India after spending time with Sacramento Republic’s Academy. His decisive contribution capped a memorable evening for Samaleswari SC, whose victory not only secured three valuable points but also lifted the club to the top of its group after two matches, marking one of the standout results of the tournament so far.
SCORES
Group B (Kolkata): Mohammedan Sporting 2 (Lalthankima 60, Lalngaihsaka 66) lost to Samaleswari Sporting 3 (Basit Bhat 11, Marat Tareck 27, Veer Arjun Joshi 81).
