Durand Cup 2025 Preview: Punjab FC determined to shine with knockout berth on the line

Punjab FC would clash against Bodoland FC in their last match of the group stage in Durand Cup 2025

Punjab FC and Bodoland FC are set to battle in an encounter that will decide the fate of Group D as the Durand Cup approaches the knockout round. The goalless draw between Punjab FC and ITBP FT left the group wide open, with three teams eyeing a knockout spot.

Bodoland FC have just played one match so far. If they manage to pull off a result against The Shers, they would put a firm step towards knockouts. The match will be played at SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar on August 9, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM IST.

Also Read: ISL side Punjab FC secretly unveil new crest and identity

Stakes:

Punjab FC

Punjab FC would have been disappointed with the result in their last match against ITBP. It was a fixture they would have believed would give them all three points.

However, that was not the case. ITBP FT held Punjab to a goalless draw with their gritty defensive performance to scrape one point from the game.

Now things have spiced up for Punjab FC. They have accumulated 4 points in the two games that they have played. Their tie against Bodoland FC becomes almost a must-win if they aim to top the group. Their failure to do so would put their knockout bid in jeopardy, giving Bodoland and ITBP an edge in the race.

With two games remaining for Bodoland FC, things might go south for Punjab as ITBP look favourites in their upcoming clash against Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.

Bodoland FC

With a win in their opener, Bodoland FC remain hopeful of their place in the knockouts. However, they will come across the biggest roadblock in their path to knockouts when they lock horns with Punjab FC in their second fixture on Saturday. The challenge is uphill but the club would hope they replicate the performance that they put up against Karbi Anglong.

Bodoland were tested in the first game against Karbi Anglong as they went down in the first half. But it was the sheer will that helped them ride the turbulent wave as they came back strong to take a victorious lead and finish the match with a 2-1 score line.

Team News

Both clubs are expected to field the same squad when they square off in Kokrajhar. There are no major changes in the offing, as there are no injury concerns or reported unavailability of any player. Going into this fixture, clubs would feel confident that they have their sure starters at their disposal and available to contribute.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first time both clubs will be facing each other. With no prior experience of playing against each other, teams would be expecting the unexpected. It would be interesting to witness how both clubs deal with the unfamiliarity quotient in a contest that will decide their fate in the tournament.

Predicted Lineups

Punjab FC

Ravi Kumar (GK), Muhammed Uvais, Bijoy V, Suresh Meitei, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Nikhil Prabhu, Muhammad Suhail, Manglenthang Kipgen, Leon Augustine, Vishal Yadav.

Bodoland FC

Birkhang Daimary (GK), Danswrang Basumatary, Manabir Basumatary, Didwm Hazowary, Nabin Rabha, Timothi Narzary, Pedro Astray Lopaz, Gwgwmsar Gayray, Junior Nkengue, Pranjal Bhumij, Robinson B Rendon.

Players to watch

Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

Usually, eyes are either on forwards or defenders in such a crucial match, but it would be interesting to see how the captain goes about his business in a high-pressure affair. In the last couple of seasons, Nikhil Prabhu has emerged to be a reliable figure in the midfield.

His presence in the middle of the park pushed Punjab FC to challenge big names in the ISL. The composure and the ability to read the game that he brings to the table are what make him stand apart. The players would be looking up to the leader of the unit to hold his fort and marshal the midfield in a must-win clash.

Gwgwmsar Gayray (Bodoland FC)

Bodoland FC’s victory in their opening clash against Karbi Anglong was founded on the tenacity of this youngster. It was Gwgwmsar Gayray who brought his team back into the contest after going down with a goal.

His tenacity on the left wing shone as he went to score the equalizer that helped Bodoland change the momentum of the game and claw their way back into the encounter. Once again, his contribution would be vital in the attack, as it would not be easy to break Punjab’s impregnable defensive unit.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2025 group D game between Punjab FC and Bodoland FC will be played on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar. The match will kick off at 4 PM IST and will be shown live on the Sony Ten Sports network and SonyLIV.

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