Historic win of India Club at Bordoloi Trophy Football, Defeats defending champions ASEB

After more than six decades, century-old India Club of Silchar made history in their first match of Bordoloi Trophy. Today at Judges’ Field in Guwahati, they defeated the defending champions ASEB.

The defending champions were favorites in the match all throughout. There were very few who betted for India Club. However, coach Kalikankan Acharya’s players changed the dynamics of the game making it a historic win.

In the first fifteen minutes of the game, the defending champions were shook by the Silchar champions. It seemed like ASEB did not anticipate it at all. However, as the match progressed, the defending champions adjusted themselves. Even then, India Club was ahead in everything starting from ball possession to passes completed in the first half. ASEB, however had a couple of good chances but India Club’s goalkeeper Nitish Mehra kept his team out of danger.

ASEB was attacking from the left wing. As a result, India Club coach Kali Kankan made a tactical change. He subbed in Adhiraj as the right back which worked wonders. Due to this change, the defense of India Club became more compact because of which the ASEB attack could not play flawless football through the flank.

India Club fought hard throughout the match against the defending champions. In most cases, it was the champions of Silchar who advanced. But the climax was still left. During the stoppage time, ASEB went in a defensive mode to close the match. That is when a right foot thunderbolt from Bir Vignesh went inside ASEB’s goal handing India Club 1-0 advantage. The full time whistle was just moments away and so, the defending champions could do very little.

The judges’ field witnessed a historical upset as the defending champions agonisingly went down against the champions from Silchar who are participating in the prestigious Bordoloi trophy after six decades. Crowds had gathered to support the India Club and the result mesmerised them. They walked in to the dugout to encourage the club for the future matches.

Tomorrow, the India Club will play against ITBP. Coach Kalikankan Acharjee was elated at the victory. On the sidelines after the match, he said, “We were the underdogs going into this match but deep inside we knew that if we play our best we can upset anyone. That is what has happened. It is a great victory for the club and a great encouragement for the team.”

Football fans of Barak Valley were deprived for the previous two years as there were hardly any tournaments organised owing to the covid situation. Finally, they have something to cheer for.