Halicharan Narzary, the former India international and local hero from Assam, delivered one of the standout individual performances of the 135th Durand Cup, scoring four goals and setting up two more as Bodoland FC demolished Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC 6-0 in their final Group F fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday, 13 August. Despite the emphatic result and six points from three matches, Bodoland FC were eliminated from the tournament, unable to advance as one of the best second-placed teams.

Narzary's Masterclass

Halicharan Narzary was involved in all six of Bodoland's goals — a feat that underscored his importance to the side. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Siddharth Khichi was brought down inside the box by Karbi Anglong goalkeeper A. Muhammed Murshid. His second arrived just before half-time, when he broke Karbi Anglong's high defensive line and curled a low effort into the bottom corner.

In the second half, Narzary completed his hat-trick with a composed finish at the back post after a perfectly weighted cross from Kaushik Daimari. He then turned provider for the fifth goal before adding his fourth of the evening, capping a brilliant all-round display as Bodoland captain.

Key Moments and Other Scorers

Kaushik Daimari extended Bodoland's lead to 3-0 just six minutes into the second half, producing a sharp left-footed finish from the edge of the box after evading two defenders with a quick turn. Substitute Gwgwmsar Gayary added the fifth with a calm close-range slot from Narzary's low cross, while Robinson Rendon, the Colombian forward, was a constant creative partner for Narzary throughout the contest.

Goalkeeper Birkhang Daimary also played a key role, saving a Karbi Anglong penalty taken by Junior Onguene Nkengue and producing a string of fine stops in the first half to keep Bodoland's clean sheet intact.

Why Bodoland FC Still Missed Out

Despite finishing with six points from three Group F matches, Bodoland FC could not advance as one of the best second-placed teams. Both East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC also ended on six points but held superior goal differences, edging Bodoland out of contention. It is a cruel outcome for a side that produced the tournament's most dominant single-match performance in the group stage.

Karbi Anglong's Difficult Campaign

Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC concluded their 135th Durand Cup campaign without a single point — the second consecutive season they have exited the group stage without registering a win. Head coach C.A. Laldinsang Pudaite made two changes for the final fixture, but the gulf in quality proved too wide to bridge. Despite threatening moments from Joseph Olaleye and Loitongbam Taison Singh, the side lacked the clinical edge to trouble Bodoland consistently.

What This Means Going Forward

The result leaves the 135th Durand Cup quarterfinals without either of the two local Assam sides. For Bodoland FC, the exit will sting given the manner of their final group win, and questions will arise about whether goal difference cost them in earlier fixtures. Narzary's form, however, will be a significant talking point as domestic football heads into the next phase of the season.