Odisha FC Lose Durand Cup Opener Against 10-Man Army Team

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 77^th 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.