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Can FC1 shine in their first Durand Cup outing?
Morning Star to win (2-0)
Tournament: Durand Cup, 2026 | Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
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Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC of Assam and FC 1 from Kashmir will lock horns in an all-debutant Group F clash on Monday. Invited to the tournament as part of the Durand Cup's grassroots football initiative, both sides have a chance to make an early statement.
With experienced campaigners NorthEast United and Bodoland FC also in the group, this fixture carries added significance, as defeat would leave either team with little margin for error in the race for the knockout stage.
Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, popularly known as Morning Star, are a Diphu-based club established in 2008 that represents the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. Two-time Assam Premier League champions (2015 and 2023), they earned promotion to the 2025-26 I-League 2 after reaching the I-League 3 playoffs and went on to finish fifth in their debut campaign.
Morning Star's biggest strength is their defensive organisation. While goals were hard to come by, they recorded the joint second-most clean sheets in I-League 2, with Rahul Kumar Paswan and Kevisanyu Peseyie accounting for six of the team's 10 goals. Under coach Laldinsang Pudaite, expect a disciplined side that prioritises defensive solidity and looks to capitalise on its chances.
Karbi Anglong Morning Star Probable XI- Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury (GK); C. Seilenlal Mate, Harbamon Timung, Surajit Seal, Ricky Lallawmawma, Phijam Vikash Singh, Paogoumang, Sangti Janai Shianglong, Calvin Songate, Lalsiem Chongloi, Longsi Im Tokbi
FC 1 is more than just a football club—it represents the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh under one crest, with the "1" symbolising unity across all three. Beyond the pitch, the club is committed to climate action and sustainability, dedicating this season to “Water Conservation” in partnership with Puma through a specially themed jersey.
The 2026 Durand Cup marks FC 1's first appearance in a national-level competition after competing in local tournaments since the club's formation in 2024. Built entirely around local talent from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the squad has an average age of just 22. While they may lack experience, FC 1 will be eager to prove that youthful energy and determination can bridge the gap against more established opponents.
With little known about FC 1 beyond their youthful, locally built squad, Karbi Anglong Morning Star will be careful not to underestimate their opponents. However, the Assam side enters the contest as clear favourites, having gained valuable experience against stronger opposition in the I-League system. If they produce the disciplined performances they are known for, Morning Star should have enough quality to emerge victorious in this battle of debutants.
Morning Star to win (2-0)
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