Samaleswari Sporting secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Baghpat FC in the 135th Durand Cup as Basit Ahmed Bhat scored a brilliant second-half brace. The Odisha-based side revived its qualification hopes with a dominant Group B performance in Kolkata.
Samaleswari Sporting produced an outstanding all-round display to register a commanding 4-1 victory over Baghpat FC in a Group B encounter of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday. A sensational second-half brace from Basit Ahmed Bhat, along with first-half goals from Marat Tareck and Gnohere Krizo, helped the Odisha-based side claim their first victory of the tournament and reignite their hopes of advancing to the next stage.
Having narrowly lost their opening fixture, Samaleswari Sporting entered the match determined to bounce back, while Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC were searching for their maiden points after suffering defeat in their first game. The result leaves Baghpat FC with two consecutive losses, making their qualification prospects increasingly difficult.
Both teams adopted a traditional 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing attacking football from the opening whistle. Samaleswari Sporting paired Gnohere Krizo with Marat Tareck in attack, while Baghpat FC relied on Senthamil S. and Piyush Sikarwar to create opportunities in the final third.
The match got off to an exciting start with both sides displaying aggressive intent. Samaleswari Sporting opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a swift counter-attack. Rashid M. surged down the right wing before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. Krizo’s close-range effort was initially saved by goalkeeper Ayan Bhattacharya, but the rebound fell perfectly for Marat Tareck, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 1-0.
Baghpat FC responded positively and found an equaliser in the 30th minute through a spectacular effort. Piyush Sikarwar provided the assist by laying the ball into the path of Crispin Cleetus, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the penalty box. The stunning shot sailed beyond goalkeeper Aaryan Anjaneya and found the top corner, bringing the score level at 1-1.
Despite the setback, Samaleswari Sporting maintained their attacking approach and regained the lead deep into first-half stoppage time. Basit Ahmed Bhat floated a long free-kick into the penalty area, where the ball struck Gnohere Krizo before looping over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net. The fortunate finish restored Samaleswari’s advantage just before halftime.
The second half was almost entirely controlled by the Odisha-based outfit. Their superior possession, quick passing, and disciplined movement kept Baghpat FC under constant pressure. In the 56th minute, Basit Ahmed Bhat extended the lead by meeting substitute Veer Arjun Joshi’s corner with a composed finish, making it 3-1.
Only five minutes later, Basit struck again to complete his impressive brace. Another cleverly worked corner involving Veer Arjun Joshi and Cris Nowang Sherpa created the opportunity. Sherpa delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, and Basit timed his run perfectly before powering a looping header beyond the goalkeeper to make it 4-1.
With a comfortable three-goal cushion, Samaleswari Sporting controlled possession and dictated the tempo for the remainder of the match. Their disciplined defensive structure prevented Baghpat FC from creating meaningful chances, while their midfield continued to dominate proceedings.
The Odisha side nearly added a fifth goal in the closing stages when Armand Bazie attempted a powerful long-range effort in the 90th minute. However, the shot drifted narrowly wide of the target. Samaleswari comfortably managed the five minutes of added time to seal an emphatic victory.
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The convincing win gives Samaleswari Sporting renewed confidence and keeps their qualification hopes alive in the prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Baghpat FC will now face a difficult challenge to remain in contention after consecutive defeats in their debut Durand Cup campaign.
