Ranchi, July 30 -- Naorem Somananda Singh's stunning first-half strike and a second-half own goal guided the Indian Air Force Football Team to a deserved 2-1 victory over Sri Lankan outfit Defenders FC in a Group C fixture of the 135th Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite a late rally and a consolation goal from N. M. Aflal, the Airmen dominated proceedings for long spells and claimed all three points with an assured performance. The defeat also condemned Defenders FC to a second consecutive loss in their maiden Durand Cup campaign, according to a release.

Both sides lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Indian Air Force FT adopted an attacking approach, with Samuel K.V., Aman Khan and Naorem Somananda Singh lea...