Local side Bodoland FC registered their first win of the 134th Durand Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over debutants Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a fiercely contested Group D match on Thursday.
Karbi Anglong struck first through Nigerian forward Joseph Mayowa Olaleye (25th minute), but Bodoland responded swiftly with an equaliser from Gwgwmsar Gayary in the 37th minute. Colombian striker Robinson (60th) calmly netted the ball past the goalkeeper at the 60-minute mark to secure three points for Bodoland FC at the SAI Stadium.
The early exchanges were engaging with BDFC getting the first clear chance when Robinson found himself one-on-one with Karbi Anglong goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes. Unfortunately for him, the play was flagged offside. Pedro Astray's free-kick in the 11th minute for BDFC also did not hit the target as both sides struggled to have a go at the goalpost.
Momentum shifted in the 22nd minute when Karbi Anglong embarked on a swift counter. Nigerian forward Olaleye was brought down just outside the box, earning a free kick. Joseph Bempah's effort was well-saved by BDFC keeper Birkhang Diamary.
But the pressure told three minutes later when Wellyster's long ball from the Karbi Anglong half caught the BDFC defence off guard. Olaleye latched onto it, beat the last defender and drilled a powerful low strike into the near post to put KAMSFC ahead in the 25th minute.
Bodoland FC found the equaliser in the 37th minute through winger Gwgwmsar Gayary. A long diagonal ball from midfield found Gayary on the left, who headed into the danger area. A failed clearance by KAMSFC captain Harbamon Timung gave Gayary a second chance, and he made no mistake in firing it past Wellyster Mendes to make it 1-1.
BDFC nearly took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Robinson left a defender on the turf with a clever run, but missed the target. Another teasing free-kick from Pedro found Robinson again, but he failed to convert from close range as the half ended on 1-1.
The second half resumed with both teams trying to take control. Haokip (KAMSFC) and Pedro (BDFC) traded tame free kicks in the opening five minutes, which were collected comfortably by the goalkeepers. The best opportunity of the second half for Karbi Anglong came in the 56th minute when Sujit Singh broke free, but his shot was misplaced and went straight to Diamary.
Bodoland FC capitalised on the missed chance. In the 60th minute, skipper Hazowary delivered a curling cross from the left, and Robinson made no mistake, tapping in the ball between the keeper's legs to put BDFC 2-1 ahead.
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