Bengaluru: The 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup, played across five states, has introduced Indian football fans to a new talent. Eighteen-year-old Makakmayum Daniyal from Yairipok in Manipur’s Thoubal district made headlines by scoring the tournament’s first hat trick for Bengaluru-based South United FC. His finishing ability and composure have sparked hopes of a strong striker for the post-Sunil Chhetri era.
Daniyal’s three goals reflected variety and skill. In the first, he regained control after a slip, rounded the goalkeeper, and finished neatly. The second showcased his pace and dribbling as he beat defenders before slotting into the corner. The third was a powerful volley from inside the box. His performance stood out as one of the most clinical displays in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Daniyal said playing and scoring in the Durand Cup had been a childhood dream. This was also the first time his parents, watching on television from Manipur, saw him score in a live broadcast. His father, a farmer, and his mother, a homemaker, expressed pride in his achievements.
Daniyal began football with his cousins and later trained at the Future Football Coaching Centre Angtha. He also played for Eastern Sporting Union in the Manipur state league and spent time with the U17 and reserve squads of Chennaiyin FC before moving to South United.
Earlier this year, Daniyal was called to the Indian U19 probables squad for the SAFF Championship. Though not selected for the final team, he credited coach Bibiano Fernandes for improving his game. His ambition is clear: to represent India and become a legend of Indian football.
