Bodoland knocks out Punjab FC

Bodoland FC shocked ISL side Punjab FC 1–0 in the Durand Cup, with Robinson Blandon Rendon scoring the decisive goal as Punjab crashed out in the group stage amid heavy rain

Hyderabad: Local side Bodoland FC stunned ISL side Punjab FC in front of their home fans through a second-half strike by Colombian striker Robinson Blandon Rendon to go on top of Group D of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on Saturday.

With this loss, last year’s quarterfinalists Punjab FC were eliminated from the tournament after ending the group stage campaign with four points from two matches, while Bodoland FC have six points from two matches.

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The first half unfolded in heavy rain, with Punjab FC immediately taking the initiative against Bodoland FC. Nikhil Prabhu led from the back, threading passes into midfield where Princeton Rebello pulled the strings, launching an early strike that whistled just over the crossbar. On the wings, Vishal and Suhail probed for openings, keeping Bodoland pinned in their own half during the opening exchanges.

Bodoland, though under pressure, showed flashes of attacking intent. Gwgwmsar produced a brilliant through ball to Junior, whose low drive was safely held by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar. The physical battle intensified when S. Meitei lunged into a late challenge, earning the game’s first yellow card. Despite Punjab’s territorial dominance, Bodoland’s defensive pairing of Mosang Basumatary and Dinesh Basumatary stood firm, cutting out crosses and blocking shots. As the whistle blew for half-time, the score remained 0–0, with Punjab FC’s attacking trio unable to breach Bodoland’s disciplined and rain-hardened defence.

With the rain easing into a heavy drizzle to start the second half, Bodoland quickly seized the momentum. The turning point came when Gwgwmsar Gayary delivered a teasing cross into the Punjab box. Amid the scramble, Colombian striker Robinson Blandon Rendon, showing his predatory instincts, latched onto the rebound and rifled the ball past goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, sending the home fans into jubilation and giving BDFC a vital 1–0 lead.

Punjab FC responded with urgency, refreshing their frontline in a desperate attempt to level the score. Yet Bodoland’s backline, marshalled by defenders like Mosang Basumatary, held firm, repelling crosses and blocking shots. Punjab’s efforts fell short as their attempts either went wide or were comfortably dealt with by the home side’s defence.

Result: Bodoland FC 1 (Robinson 69’) bt Punjab FC 0