Samaleswari Sporting vs FC Banaras Baghpat, Durand Cup, 2026, Today Match Prediction

Samaleswari Sporting vs FC Banaras Baghpat Match Prediction & Analysis

Not long ago, Samaleswari Sporting and Baghpat FC were competing in the I-League 3 but never crossed paths. That changes on Thursday at 7 PM when the two sides meet in a crucial Group B clash of the 2026 Durand Cup. Both enter the contest after losing their opening matches, making victory essential to keep their qualification hopes alive. 

The pressure is particularly high on Baghpat, who suffered a heavy defeat against Mohammedan SC and will be desperate to bounce back.

Head-to-head Record: It will be the first meeting between the teams in any competition. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Samaleswari Sporting Preview

Samaleswari Sporting endured a bittersweet start to their maiden Durand Cup campaign. While the Odisha side suffered a narrow defeat to the experienced Indian Army FT, they showed plenty of promise and competed strongly throughout. A first-half goal was ruled out for handball, while another late opportunity went begging as they pushed for an equaliser.

Despite facing 19 attempts, eight of them on target, Samaleswari remained resilient, with goalkeeper Aaryan Anjaneya producing seven crucial saves. Their main concern, however, was the repeated pressure down the left flank. 

Head coach Abdul Azim Siddique also handed starts to three of the club's five new foreign signings—Gnohere Krizo, Joseph Adjei and Aubin Kouakou—as the newcomers showed encouraging signs despite the defeat.

Samaleswari Probable Starting Lineup:

Aryan (GK);  Basit, Aubin, Joseph, Shahid, Hafiz, Bazou,  Arvind, Rashid, William, Krizo

FC Banaras Baghpat Preview

Elsewhere, I-League 3 champions Baghpat FC also began their campaign with a defeat, but unlike Samaleswari, there were few positives to take from a heavy 4-0 loss to former ISL side Mohammedan SC.

Baghpat started brightly and found promising spaces in Mohammedan's half, but failed to capitalise, with Rohit Saibya squandering a notable opportunity. Mohammedan then struck against the run of play before taking complete control in the second half and adding three more goals. Baghpat finished without just three shots on target while facing 24 attempts, eight of which were on target.

Away from the pitch, however, the club received a major boost after German automotive giants Audi were announced as their official sponsors. Audi's association with clubs such as Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Miami adds further significance to the partnership.

Baghpat FC Probable Starting Lineup:

Priyojit (GK); Bathala,  Naveen​, Senthamil S, Jobin, ​Crispin, ​Linthoingamba​, Rohen, Siddar, ​Rohit, ​Kinesh

SAMALESWARI SPORTING vs FC BANARAS BAGHPAT
Winning Prediction

Both debutants enter their Group B clash on Thursday seeking their first win of the 135th Durand Cup campaign and more importantly valuable points to stay alive in the competition. Samaleswari SC demonstrated solid defensive organization despite a narrow 1–0 defeat to Indian Army FT, and that could turn out to be the key factor in this game. 

Meanwhile, Baghpat FC will look to control tempo and break down Samaleswari’s stubborn backline, but Samaleswari’s match sharpness and strong defensive shape on the account of the first game give them a slight advantage.

Samaleswari SC to win (1-0).

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW