Odisha FC Makes a Strong Start with 5-0 Victory Over BSF Football Team in Durand Cup

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha FC (OFC) kicked off their Durand Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a dominant 5-0 victory against the BSF Football Team (BSF FT) in a Group E encounter held at the SAI Stadium. This impressive win propels Odisha to the top of the group standings, edging out North East United FC on goal difference.

The match saw standout performances from Moirangthem Givson Singh, who scored twice, and goals from Rahul Mukhi, Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh, and Roshan Panna in the second half. Odisha’s head coach, Amit Rana, fielded a young lineup that included both reserve players and experienced talents such as Lalliansanga Renthlei, Givson Singh, Aphaoba Singh, Subham Bhattacharya, and Narendra Naik.

Odisha began the game with quick, aggressive attacks, setting a steady pace early on. Despite BSF FT’s organized defense, Odisha’s relentless offense soon broke through. The first real chance of the game came from BSF FT with a free-kick, but the opportunity was wasted. Odisha responded swiftly, with several shots on goal, and maintained pressure throughout the first half.

The second half saw Odisha picking up right where they left off. A swift run by forward Rahul Mukhi culminated in the first goal, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. Aphaoba Singh then doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort, followed by Givson Singh’s first goal, bringing the score to 3-0 in a matter of minutes.

BSF FT struggled to regain their composure, allowing Odisha to dominate the rest of the game. Roshan Panna added to the tally with a well-placed shot, assisted by Givson Singh, who soon after scored his second goal of the match, sealing the 5-0 victory.

Odisha FC’s commanding performance not only highlights their offensive prowess but also sets a strong foundation for their Durand Cup campaign. The Kalinga Warriors, as they are fondly known, will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.