Bodoland FC stormed into the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup for the first time with a resounding 4–0 win over ITBP FT at the SAI Stadium here on Tuesday, sealing the top spot in Group D with a perfect nine points from three matches.
The victory, witnessed by over 12,000 home fans, capped a dream group-stage campaign for the side in only their third Durand Cup appearance. They scored seven goals and conceded just one en route to the knockout stage.
Bodoland joined East Bengal (Group A), Mohun Bagan SG (Group B), Jamshedpur FC (Group C), NorthEast United FC (Group E) and Indian Navy FT (Group F) in the last eight. Shillong Lajong FC and Diamond Harbour FC also advanced as the two best second-placed teams with six points, boasting goal differences of +7 and +4 respectively.
Pedro Astray set up the opening goal in the 25th minute with a free-kick from near the halfway line that Timothi Narzary headed in at the near post. The Spaniard doubled the lead 12 minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after Robinson was brought down inside the area.
Bodoland’s third came in the 40th minute when Gwgwmsar Gayary finished calmly between ITBP goalkeeper Ugesh Lama’s legs following a slick move involving Junior Onguene and Robinson.
The hosts added a fourth in the 82nd minute after Lama’s punch from Pedro’s corner fell to Rabha, whose shot deflected to Abdul Samed Ango. The Ghanaian fired low into the near post to complete the rout.
ITBP’s best chance arrived just after the hour mark when Leimajan Singh latched onto a loose back pass, but Bodoland’s defence recovered quickly. Goalkeeper Diamary preserved the clean sheet with an 85th-minute save from Lungunhao Sitlhou’s long-range strike.
The win sparked wild celebrations in the stands as Bodoland advanced unbeaten to the knockouts, marking a historic milestone for the team and its passionate supporters.
