Can Bodoland FC Secure Their Place in History with a 4–0 Victory over ITBP FT in the 134th Durand Cup?

Kokrajhar, Aug 12 (NationPress) Bodoland FC concluded a remarkable group stage performance in the 134th Durand Cup by achieving a resounding 4–0 triumph against ITBP FT before more than 12,000 enthusiastic supporters at the SAI Stadium on Tuesday. This victory allowed the home team to finish at the top of Group D with a flawless nine points from three matches, marking their first-ever qualification for the knockout rounds.

Other teams progressing to the quarterfinals include East Bengal (Group A), Mohun Bagan SG (Group B), Jamshedpur FC (Group C), and NorthEast United FC (Group E). Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong FC (Group E) and Diamond Harbour FC (Group B) advanced as the top two second-placed teams with six points and goal differences of +7 and +4 respectively.

In the initial moments of the match, Bodoland controlled possession, with Junior Onguene, Pedro Astray, and Robinson putting pressure on ITBP's goalkeeper Ugesh Lama. Surprisingly, ITBP almost took the lead in the 14th minute when Srikumar Karjee broke through but missed the target.

The breakthrough for Bodoland came in the 25th minute when Pedro Astray delivered an exquisite free-kick from near the halfway line. Timothi Narzary, who had previously shot wide, made no mistake this time and powerfully headed the ball home, leaving Lama with no chance and igniting the crowd.

Just twelve minutes later, Bodoland extended their lead when Pradipta Biswas fouled Robinson in the box, resulting in a penalty. Pedro confidently stepped up to convert the penalty with a precise strike into the bottom right corner.

The home team continued their relentless attack, and in the 40th minute, they made it 3–0 with a brilliant team effort. Robinson set up Junior, who executed a defense-splitting diagonal pass to Gwgwmsar Gayary. The winger coolly slotted the ball through Lama's legs, solidifying Bodoland's control at halftime.

The second half began with exciting action despite the rain. ITBP's best chance came shortly after the hour mark when a careless back pass allowed Leimajan Singh an opportunity at goal, but Bodoland's defense quickly regrouped. Junior thought he netted the fourth goal in the 78th minute, only for the offside flag to intervene.

Bodoland netted their fourth goal in the 82nd minute. After Pedro's corner, Lama's punch fell to Rabha outside the box, whose shot deflected to Abdul Samed Ango. The Ghanaian seized the moment, firing low into the near post to complete the rout.

Bodoland goalkeeper Diamary was finally tested in the 85th minute, tipping away a long-range shot from Lungunhao Sitlhou. The hosts comfortably secured their perfect defensive record as the match concluded.

The final whistle ignited celebrations among the fans as Bodoland FC, in their third season of the Durand Cup, not only topped Group D but did so without a single defeat, scoring seven goals and conceding just one.

Bodoland FC will now join the Indian Navy Football Team (Group F), who qualified earlier, along with the other seven teams in the quarterfinals of the 134th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament.