Guwahati, August 3: FC1 overcame an early setback and held firm with 10 men to register a memorable 2-1 victory over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC in their Group F match of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Monday.
Making their tournament debut, the side representing Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh recovered from a first-half deficit through goals from Shakir Ahmad Sheikh and Hayat Bashir after Joseph Mayowa Olaleye had given the Assam-based outfit the lead.
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both teams adopting an attacking approach. FC1 created the first clear chance when Mousa Ahmed Qureshi’s powerful long-range strike was tipped over the crossbar by Karbi Anglong goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh.
Karbi Anglong gradually found their rhythm, with winger Lalpekhlua proving a constant threat down the left flank. His persistence paid off in the 27th minute when FC1 failed to clear a corner. Lalpekhlua collected the loose ball and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, where Olaleye arrived unmarked to tap home for 1-0.
FC1 responded positively and began to dominate possession. Their equaliser arrived in the 40th minute when Farhan Fayaz’s perfectly weighted pass released Hayat Bashir on the right. Bashir squared the ball across goal for Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, who finished calmly to level the scores before halftime.
The visitors completed the turnaround eight minutes into the second half. This time, Shakir turned provider, floating an inviting cross into the penalty area for Hayat Bashir, who rose above his marker to head past Jaspreet Singh and make it 2-1.
FC1’s task became more difficult just after the hour mark when Ivorian defender Tetty Armando Yoko received a straight red card following an aerial challenge, forcing his side to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.
Karbi Anglong pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, with Lalpekhlua continuing to trouble the defence. However, FC1 stayed organised at the back and defended resolutely despite sustained pressure. Coach Khalid Qayoom’s defensive substitutions helped the visitors maintain their shape as they successfully saw out the contest to secure a winning start to their Durand Cup campaign.
