A goal each by Chandra Mohan Murmu and Aphaoba Singh helped Odisha FC beat I-League side Rajasthan United FC 2-1 in a Group-F match of the 132nd Durand Cup Football Tournament at the SAI Stadiumin Kokrajhar, Assam today.

This was the first win in two matches for the young Odisha FC, who suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their opening match against Indian Army Football Team at the same venue earlier on August 7. Super Cup champions Odisha FC will play their third and last league match against local Bodoland FC on August 19.

MATCH 1: Liton Shil scored the all important goal for Indian Army in the 1st minute. Indian Army were reduced to 10 men in the 77th minute as Liton Shil was shown a straight red card for a clumsy foul on Odisha defender Tankadhar Bag.

However, despite having the the numerical advantage, Odisha FC could not find the breakthrough they desperately needed to level the score. The Indian Army defense held firm and managed to thwart any late surge from the Juggernauts. Of course, the Juggernauts showcased moments of promise but ultimately lacked the clinical touch needed to secure a comeback.

The young Odisha FC side, featuring home-grown talents, was led by Rakesh Oram with Amit Rana as head coach. They will next take on Rajasthan United FC on August 11.

MATCH 2: Odisha FC drew first blood in the 48th minute. A flag-kick by Adwin Tirkey was headed back into the danger area by Rahul Mukhi and it was finished expertly past the goalkeeper by Chandra Mohan Murmu.

However, the Odisha FC lead lasted for just three minutes as Ghanaian Richardson Denzell scored the equalizer for Rajasthan FC with a powerful 30-yard shot in the 51st minute. In the 64th minute, Odisha FC were awarded a penalty as substitute Matthew Ofori Dunga fouled Rahul Mukhi inside the box. Aphaoba Singh converted the penalty to score the match-winner for Odisha FC.

ODISHA FC RESULTS:
August 7 (Group-F match): Odisha FC lost to Indian Army Football Team (Liton Shil 41st) 0-1.
August 11 (Group-F match): Odisha FC (Chandra Mohan Murmu 48th, Aphaoba Singh 64-P) beat Rajasthan United FC (Richardson Denzell 52nd) 2-1.
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PHOTO: Odisha FC team poses before the start of their Durand Cup match against Rajasthan United FC in Kokrajhar on 11 August 2023.