Kokrajhar (Assam): A young Odisha FC side succumbed 0-1 to the sprightly Indian Army in their Durand Cup opener at the SAI Stadium here on Monday.
Liton Shil scored the matchwinner in the Group F encounter three minutes before half-time from a quick counter-attack.
Liton was flashed the red card and sent off for a dangerous studs-up challenge on an Odisha defender in the 77th minute. But the ISL side failed to take advantage in the final quarter of an hour and the equaliser remained elusive.
Odisha will have to win their remaining group league games – against Rajasthan United on August 11 and Bodoland FC on August 19 – to ensure a knockout berth.
This year’s Durand Cup is being played at six venues, including two in Assam. The six group toppers and two best-placed second teams will advance to the quarterfinals.
