With the whistling sounds of the referee at 4 PM in Khuman Lampak Stadium, the players of two homegrown clubs are all set to put their heart on the ground and soul in the game for the fierce opening of the ‘Imphal Derby’ tomorrow in Group F of the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, which returns to Manipur after a gap of two years.
The players from Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC (TRAU FC) and North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association Football Club (NEROCA FC) are now ready to face off.
“As we step onto the field tomorrow for the Imphal Derby in the Durand Cup, we carry not just the hopes of our club but the pride of every NEROCA fan. This match is more than just a game—it’s about passion, unity, and fighting spirit. The boys have worked hard, shown commitment in training, and are ready to give everything for the badge,” shared coach Gyan Moyon of NEROCA FC.
NEROCA FC, led by head coach Gyan Moyon, will enter the match with recent momentum, having defeated TRAU FC 2-1 in their last encounter in the I-League 2 in April 2025. And TRAU FC, under the guidance of head coach Saran Singh, will be determined to avenge their recent defeat and get their campaign off to a positive start.
NEROCA FC, which was founded in 1965, has been a pioneering force in Northeast Indian football and became the first club from the region to reach the final of the Durand Cup. Despite their relegation from the I-League to I-League 2 in the 2023–24 season, NEROCA has retained their head coach and undergone intense preparation for this tournament.
TRAU FC, established in 1954, has been a consistent performer in Manipur football, having won the CC Meet and state league titles multiple times. The Red Python will be looking to utilize their experience and fighting spirit to overcome their city rivals in this crucial Group F opener.
The historical rivalry between these two Manipuri giants has produced memorable encounters over the years, with both teams sharing a combined 21 major honors—10 for NEROCA and 11 for TRAU. In their head-to-head record since 2020, NEROCA holds the advantage, having won 7 out of 11 encounters, with TRAU winning only 2 matches and 2 ending in draws. However, derby matches often produce unexpected results, and both teams will be fully aware that past records count for little in such high-stakes encounters.
Group F also features the Indian Navy Football Team and Real Kashmir FC, making it a competitive group where every point will be crucial for qualification to the knockout stages. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams across all groups will advance to the quarterfinals, adding extra pressure on both teams to secure a positive result in their opening fixture.
The return of the Durand Cup to Imphal has generated tremendous excitement among the local football fraternity, with the trophy tour conducted on July 10 drawing significant crowds and media attention. The passionate football supporters of Manipur are expected to create an electrifying atmosphere at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, providing the perfect backdrop for this historic derby.
