Indian Army FT narrowly defeated local rival Bodoland FC 2-1 to win the Durand Cup for the second time in a row.
Early in the first half, Samir Murmu gave the Army team the lead, and in the fourth minute of extra time in the second half, Suresh Meitei scored the game-winning goal from the penalty spot. In the eleventh minute of added time, Joe Aidoo gave the home team a consolation.
Bhabindra Thakuri, the captain and goalie of the Indian Army, was dismissed after receiving a second infraction. After this win, Indian Army has six points from two games, whereas Bodoland is no longer in the running for a spot in the knockout round after suffering their second defeat of the competition.
Daimalu Basumatary, the head coach of Bodoland FC, substituted Danswrand Basumatary, Cornelius Pudaite, Nicodim Narjary, and Joseph Mayowa Olaleye in place of his first-match starting lineup.
While Liton Shil was banned for his red card in the last game, Indian Army FT Head Coach L. Antony Ramesh was obliged to make one alteration to his starting lineup. Alwin E took over and began.
The team from the area, supported by a boisterous home crowd, immediately took the initiative. Arjun Mardi’s looping cross reached Joseph Olaleye, who had the first scoring chance, but his header missed the goal.
By scoring on the opposite end, the Indian Army made them pay for their error. With the help of a superb pass from P. Christopher Kamei, Samir Murmu was able to escape the defense and beat the Bodoland goalkeeper.
Army might have quickly extended their advantage, but Bodoland goalkeeper Birkhang Daimary stopped Alwin’s shot. Due to Zothanpuia’s error, Bodoland FC had a wonderful chance to equalize. By taking advantage of the defender’s error, Nicodim Narjary was able to chip the ball past Indian Army goalie Bhabindra Thakuri and have it rebound off the post.
In the first half, Nicodim had one more chance to score. Nicodim was unmarked inside the box when the active Arjun Mardi found him, but the attacker fluffed his shot, which went over the crossbar. Bodoland had the better opportunities in the first half, but their finishing was poor. Both Echezona Celestine and Ansumana Kromah’s shots were directly at the Army goalie.
Despite having more than 60% of the ball, the home team was unable to tie the game before the Army squad gained the lead.
The Indian Army improved their control and possession of the ball when the game resumed. The Bodoland attackers were stymied by their deep defense and possession of the ball. Bodoland continued to follow the same style of play from the first half, but they lacked the ability to finish in the final third.
Bodoland was able to score twice, but the referee disallowed it because of a foul on Army goalie Bhabindra Thakuri. The adjustments were made by the Bodoland coach to rev up the home team’s assault. Both teams played end-to-end football, but there was no goal to show for it.
However, the game heated up during the break for injuries.
Ten minutes of extra time were given by referee Pratik Mondal since there were several stops due to player injuries. In the fourth minute of injury time, Army, who were defending deeply and playing on the counterattack, scored the second goal.
The Bodoland Captain Didwim Hazowary unlawfully halted Bikash Thapa’s solo run. Three points were secured for the Indian Army when Suresh Meitei successfully converted the penalty and sent the goalie the wrong way. However, there was still more action to come when Joe Aidoo of Bodoland scored a goal in the eleventh minute of extra time. His thunderous header from a corner landed in the upper right corner of the net.
Bhabindra Thakuri, the Army captain and goalie, booted the ball away out of irritation, which resulted in his earning a second caution and, as a consequence, being sent off. In the end, Indian Army maintained their little advantage to win the competition two times in a row.
In their last group match, Indian Army will play Rajasthan United, while Group F’s final match will feature Bodoland FC vs. Odisha FC.
