Kolkata & Kokrajhar, July 31: Traditional giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant kicked off their 134th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign with a spirited 3-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting, despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half.
At the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), the Kolkata derby delivered its fair share of drama as Liston Colaco struck twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, and Suhail Bhat chipped in with a second-half goal to seal the win in a fiery Group B encounter.
Bagan took the lead in the 23rd minute through a sublime free-kick from Liston, but Ashley Alban Koli equalised for Mohammedan early in the second half.
Despite a red card to Apuia just before half-time for an altercation with Tangva Ragui, Bagan regrouped.
Suhail restored the lead in the 63rd minute after a brilliant assist by Liston, who was later brought down in the box in added time.
The winger calmly slotted home the penalty, handing Mohammedan their second successive loss and pushing them closer to an early exit from the competition.
Meanwhile, in Kokrajhar, Bodoland FC registered their first win of the tournament with a gritty 2-1 comeback victory over debutants Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in a Group D showdown at the SAI Stadium.
The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute courtesy of Nigerian striker Joseph Mayowa Olaleye, who finished clinically after catching the BDFC defence napping.
However, the local favourites responded swiftly through Gwgwmsar Gayary, who capitalised on a defensive error to level the score before half-time.
The second half witnessed both teams pushing for a winner. Karbi Anglong squandered a golden opportunity before Colombian striker Robinson Blandon Rendon stepped up with a smart finish in the 60th minute, slotting home through the goalkeeper’s legs after a looping cross from Hazowary.
The match saw a brief halt in the 75th minute due to a swarm of bees invading the pitch—a rare and bizarre interruption in an otherwise feisty affair.
Despite a late surge by Karbi Anglong, Bodoland FC held firm to claim all three points and keep their hopes of qualifying from Group D alive. Karbi Anglong, with two losses in as many games, now face an uphill task to stay in contention. As the Durand Cup continues to unspool its rich tapestry across Kolkata and Kokrajhar, the stakes grow higher with each passing match.
For Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the comeback win amidst adversity was a statement of intent, reaffirming their pedigree in Indian football’s oldest competition. Over in Kokrajhar, Bodoland FC’s fighting spirit and the surreal bee break reminded us why the Durand remains both unpredictable and compelling.
With the group stages heating up, fans can expect more twists, turns, and tales in this century-old sporting saga. (Agencies)
