Durand Cup 2023: Odisha FC take on Indian Army

Odisha FC are fielding their reserve side in this Durand Cup edition.

More teams are set to get a slice of 132nd IndianOil Durand Cup action come Monday, as Indian Super League (ISL) side and reigning Hero Super Cup champions Odisha FC lock horns with the Indian Army Football Team at the SAI stadium in Kokrajhar, even as the first-ever promoted ISL side Punjab FC take on the might of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK).

The Group F game in Kokrajhar kicks-off at 3.00pm Indian Standard Time (IST) while the second Group A game in Kolkata has a 6.00pm scheduled kick-off.

Odisha FC v Indian Army Football Team: The most open group

Odisha have announced a 22-member squad under Head Coach Amit Rana, comprising home-grown talent from the state. They have been having their most successful season yet and would surely like to extend that run. 

“Today we begin our journey this season. Our preparation has been relentless, our focus unwavering,” said team captain Rakesh Oram. Coach Rana also looked ahead eagerly to the game saying, “As we step onto the field for our first match, we’re excited to showcase the hard work and dedication that our team has put in. We’re focused on giving our best performance and embracing the challenges that come our way.”

However, the going will not be easy for them as Army teams are known to play some gritty football and have caused issues or turned tables on many established sides before.

“We are a set team and this year we are stronger than last time as we have made a team combining both the Army Red and Green teams. So, we have the best of both. We are hopeful of winning tomorrow,” said captain Babindra Malla Thakuri in a pre-game conversation. He added, “Kokrajhar is a sporting place. We are happy to see the crowd excitement for Football in this place. We will give our best against Odisha FC.”

Coach Antony Ramesh was more forthcoming when he said, “This time we have only one thought in mind to just to win every match. Neither we are thinking to draw nor to give our best.  Our one thought is just to win every match. We will win our group stage and reach quarter final that is ultimate aim.” He also expressed pride in the fact that the Indian Army was conducting tournament so successfully with two foreign teams playing this year and hoped the tournament will grow fantastically as years went by.

With Rajasthan United and Bodoland FC, the other teams in Group F, this looks to be one of the most open groups in this edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup. 

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