In an exceptional and unavoidable situation full team of Army Red failed to reach Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhaya Stadium in Barrackpore to take part in their opening match of the CFL Premier Division on Thursday. 

Only 11 footballers could reach the stadium and 10 out of them, keeping one on the bench had to take part in the match against Aryan Club. Even, the team’s coach failed to be present in the match. 

Aryan won the match by six goals. Biswajit Murmu scored twice, and Sourav Hasda, Raju Oraon, Bikram Khan, and Bapi Barman scored one each for the winners. Army Red coach could not be contacted but it was learned that the team that was training at their base in Bangalore, failed to reach the venue due to transport problems.

However, United Sports also, in their opening match of the Premier League were edged past 1-2 by Diamond Harbour FC at the Bidhannagar Municipality Sports Complex ground on Thursday. DHFC obtained their only goal through Jobby Justin while Dipesh Murmu struck a brilliant long-ranged right footer for United Sports, but Rohmingthanga’s ‘own’ goal finally gave three points to DHFC.

Among the other Premier League matches on the day, Kidderpore Club beat Measurers Club 1-0 at Naihati Stadium. Jacob scored for the winner.

In another Premier League match, Suruchi Sangha, debutant in the Premier League, started their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Kalighat Milan Sangha at Kalyani Stadium. Bablu Oraon scored twice for the winners while Shivun Kharga reduced margin for Kalighat Milan Sangha.