Tuff Laxmi Prasad's N D Opera scored a brace to down Air Force 2-1 in the Preliminary Qualifying round of the 127th Durand Cup played at the Signals ground here today.
Tuff Laxmi Prasad, who led 1-0 at half time scored through Opera(21st, 65th).
Air Force improved their game in several notches in the second half and reduced the margin in the 50th minute.
Tuff Laxmi Prasad, who have seven I-League players, were expected to score an easy win but for lack of finishing by their front line.
Opera put his side in the lead in the 21st minute when he received the ball on the left and raced into the box before beating rival keeper Shibin Raj with a deft placement.
Tuff Laxmi Prasad had the lion's share of possession that could have led to a bigger lead in the first half but Seriton Kundaikar and Opera twice missed open chances.
Air Force found the equaliser in the 50th minute when Vivek headed the ball into the net from inside the box off a cross from Shahbaz M.
Tuff Laxmi held midfield superiority in the second half once and again took the lead in the 65th minute when Opera shot home after beating rival keeper off a through a pass from Marcus Mascarenhas.
The visitors fought back and had two clear chances for finding the equaliser but Ali Mohammed failed to cash on it.
