Bodoland FC Triumphs Over Karbi Anglong in Durand Cup Showdown
Bodoland FC Secures First Victory in Durand Cup
Kokrajhar (Assam) witnessed an exciting clash on July 31, as Bodoland FC (BDFC) achieved their inaugural win in the 134th Durand Cup, defeating newcomers Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMSFC) with a score of 2-1 at the SAI Stadium.
The match began with Karbi Anglong taking the lead through Nigerian forward Joseph Mayowa Olaleye. However, Bodoland quickly equalized with a goal from Gwgwmsar Gayary in the 37th minute. Colombian striker Robinson then secured the victory for BDFC by scoring in the 60th minute, as reported in a press release.
BDFC's head coach Vikash Panthi opted for a robust 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Robinson Blandon Rendon as the focal point of the attack. In contrast, KAMSFC's coach C A Laldinsang Pudaite made four changes to their lineup, with Olaleye leading their offensive efforts.
The match started cautiously, with BDFC creating the first significant opportunity when Robinson was flagged offside during a one-on-one with KAMSFC's goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes. A free-kick taken by Pedro Astray in the 11th minute also failed to find the net, hitting the wall instead.
In the 22nd minute, Karbi Anglong launched a quick counterattack, resulting in a free-kick after Olaleye was fouled just outside the box. Joseph Bempah's shot was saved by BDFC's keeper Birkhang Diamary.
Karbi Anglong capitalized on a defensive lapse by BDFC in the 25th minute when Olaleye received a long ball, outpaced the last defender, and scored with a powerful strike into the near post.
Bodoland FC responded in the 37th minute, with Gayary scoring after capitalizing on a defensive error by KAMSFC's captain Harbamon Timung, leveling the match at 1-1.
As the first half drew to a close, BDFC nearly took the lead when Robinson's clever run left a defender behind, but he missed the target. Another free-kick from Pedro found Robinson, who again failed to convert, leaving the score tied at halftime.
The second half began with both teams vying for dominance. KAMSFC's Haokip and BDFC's Pedro exchanged free-kicks, both easily handled by the goalkeepers.
The best chance for Karbi Anglong came in the 56th minute when Sujit Singh broke free, but his shot went directly to Diamary.
Bodoland FC seized the opportunity in the 60th minute when a corner from Pedro was initially blocked. Skipper Hazowary then delivered a curling cross, allowing Robinson to tap in the ball, putting BDFC ahead 2-1.
The match was briefly interrupted around the 75th minute due to a swarm of bees, prompting players and officials to take cover. Upon resuming, KAMSFC attempted to build momentum, but Pedro's crucial interception thwarted their efforts.
Despite late pressure from Karbi Anglong, BDFC held their ground to secure the win, keeping their hopes alive for advancing from Group D. Meanwhile, KAMSFC faced their second consecutive defeat, putting them at risk of elimination.
Looking ahead, I-League team Real Kashmir FC will debut in the Durand Cup against the Indian Navy Football Team in a Group F match at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, scheduled for 4:00 PM. Following that, the Border Security Force Football Team (BSF FT) will take on Diamond Harbour FC in a Group B encounter at Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) in Kolkata at 7:00 PM. Diamond Harbour, having previously won against Mohammedan SC, aims for another victory to enhance their chances of qualifying for the next round.