Durand Cup 2023: William scores to guide Rajasthan United to a 1-0 win against Bodoland FC

Rajasthan United FC will next face Odisha FC while Bodoland FC will be against the Indian Army Football Team in Group F of Durand Cup 2023.

Rajasthan United players celebrate after winning its opening match against Bodoland FC in the Durand Cup on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

William Pauliankhum’s early second-half strike was enough for Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) to overcome the resilient Bodoland FC in a Group F fixture of the Durand Cup 2023, played at the SAI Stadium here o Saturday.

RUFC controlled the midfield and had the better share of the possession for the major part of the first half, with wingers Pauliankhum and C. Lalchungnunga creating problems for the Bodoland defence.

FULL-TIME | A very impressive start to life in Group F!#DurandCup#Rufc#AbKhelegaRajasthanpic.twitter.com/Yh2tzDXIOv

— Rajasthan United FC (@RajasthanUnited) August 5, 2023

However, the hosts’ backline, led by Didwm Hazowary, Rakesh Pradhan and Nigerian Anyichie Echezona denied clear chances to the opponents.

Bodoland could not make much inroads going forward but created some chances in the closing stages of the first half. Ansumana Kromah found space behind the defence and had to just beat the RUFC keeper, Sachin Jha, but the Liberian shot wide.

Arjun Mardi then came close to scoring twice for the home side when his right-footed curler whisked past the post and moments later, his left-footed shot hit the woodwork.

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RUFC started the second half with the same intensity as they did in the first half and found the breakthrough soon, with Pauliankhum finding the net in the 47th minute.

Lalchungnunga, who is on loan from Hyderabad FC, released Richardson Denzel through the right wing and the Ghanaian’s cross was tapped into the far post by Pauliankhum.

𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 from our game against Bodoland Fc. 📸#DurandCup#Rufc#AbKhelegaRajasthanpic.twitter.com/XgqUgEIgNY

— Rajasthan United FC (@RajasthanUnited) August 5, 2023

Bodoland could have levelled soon through William Opoku but goalkeeper Sachin Jha made a point-blank save to deny the local side.

The match was temporarily halted due to continuous rains in the 52nd minute but the score did not change after it resumed, until full-time.

RUFC will next face Odisha FC on August 11 while Bodoland FC will be against Indian Army FT on August 17.