Bodoland FC Triumphs Over Karbi Anglong in 134th Durand Cup

Local Team Bodoland FC Wins First Match in 134th Durand Cup

Bodoland FC, the local side from Assam, celebrated their initial triumph in the 134th Durand Cup with a close-fought 2-1 victory over newcomers Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC during a Group D encounter on Thursday at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

Karbi Anglong took an early lead with Nigerian striker Joseph Mayowa Olaleye finding the net in the 25th minute. However, Bodoland FC leveled the score shortly after, with Gwgwmsar Gayary's goal in the 37th minute. Robinson, the Colombian forward, secured the win for Bodoland by slotting in the decisive goal at the 60-minute mark.

The match began with cautious play from both teams. Bodoland's Robinson had an early opportunity, going one-on-one with Karbi Anglong's goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes, but the play was ruled offside. BDFC's Pedro Astray later attempted a free-kick, which was blocked by a defensive wall.

The game's momentum shifted in the 22nd minute when Karbi Anglong countered swiftly. Nigerian frontman Olaleye was fouled just outside the penalty area, resulting in a free-kick. Though Joseph Bempah's attempt on goal was stopped by BDFC's Birkhang Diamary, the pressure eventually paid off. A long ball from Wellyster found Olaleye, who evaded the last defender and scored with a sharp finish at the 25th minute.

Bodoland FC equalized in the 37th minute through a determined effort by winger Gwgwmsar Gayary. A diagonal pass reached Gayary on the left flank, and after a failed clearance attempt by KAMSFC's captain Harbamon Timung, Gayary capitalized by firing the ball past goalkeeper Mendes.

The first half nearly ended with another BDFC goal when Robinson, showing impressive footwork, bypassed a defender but narrowly missed scoring. A subsequent free-kick by Pedro also found Robinson, yet he couldn't convert, leaving the half tied at 1-1.

In the second half, both teams sought to gain control; however, Karbi Anglong's best chance came when Sujit Singh's shot was directly aimed at Diamary. Bodoland FC took advantage of this missed opportunity. In the 60th minute, a curling cross by captain Hazowary was expertly finished by Robinson, nudging BDFC ahead 2-1.

The match faced an unusual delay in the 75th minute due to a swarm of bees that prompted players and officials to take cover. After play resumed, Karbi Anglong threatened with a fluid passing move, but Pedro's crucial interception thwarted their effort.

Despite intense back-and-forth play in the game's closing stages and significant pressure from Karbi Anglong, Bodoland FC maintained their focus to clinch the victory and all three points.

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