Kokrajhar, July 31 (NationPress) The local team Bodoland FC (BDFC) celebrated their inaugural victory in the 134th Durand Cup with a determined 2-1 win over newcomers Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMSFC) in a fiercely contested Group D match at the SAI Stadium on Thursday.

KAMSFC took the lead with Nigerian striker Joseph Mayowa Olaleye, but BDFC quickly equalized in the 37th minute thanks to Gwgwmsar Gayary. Colombian forward Robinson then clinched the match with a goal in the 60th minute.

BDFC’s head coach Vikash Panthi deployed a robust 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Colombian star Robinson Blandon Rendon, while KAMSFC’s coach C A Laldinsang Pudaite made four adjustments to their lineup, with the attacking focus on Olaleye.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with BDFC having the first clear opportunity when Robinson was deemed offside while facing KAMSFC goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes. A free-kick from Pedro Astray in the 11th minute hit the wall, showcasing both teams' struggle for offensive clarity.

In the 22nd minute, Karbi Anglong capitalized on a quick counterattack. Olaleye was fouled just outside the box, leading to a free kick that was expertly saved by BDFC goalkeeper Birkhang Diamary.

Three minutes later, KAMSFC struck first when a long ball from Mendes caught BDFC off guard. Olaleye sprinted past the last defender and fired a precise shot into the near post, making it 1-0 in the 25th minute.

Bodoland FC responded in the 37th minute with a goal from Gayary, who capitalized on a defensive error to level the score after a diagonal ball from midfield.

BDFC nearly took the lead just before halftime when Robinson's impressive run ended with a miss. Another free-kick from Pedro found Robinson, but he was unable to convert, and the first half concluded with the score tied at 1-1.

The second half began with both teams looking to seize control. KAMSFC’s Sujit Singh nearly scored in the 56th minute but failed to direct his shot properly.

Bodoland FC seized the moment in the 60th minute, as a corner from Pedro was headed on target by Abdul Samed, and after a scramble, Robinson secured the goal by slipping the ball past Mendes, giving BDFC a 2-1 lead.

Play was briefly interrupted around the 75th minute due to a swarm of bees, but once resumed, KAMSFC mounted pressure. However, Pedro’s crucial interception thwarted their momentum.

Despite late-game tensions and KAMSFC's attempts to equalize, BDFC held firm, securing all three points. This victory keeps Bodoland FC’s advancement hopes alive, while KAMSFC faces a challenging path ahead after two consecutive defeats.

Upcoming Matches:

The I-League team Real Kashmir FC will debut in the Durand Cup against the Indian Navy Football Team in a Group F match at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, at 4:00 PM. Following that, Border Security Force Football Team (BSF FT) will clash with Diamond Harbour FC in Kolkata at 7:00 PM, as both teams vie for crucial points.