Odisha FC picked up from what they had left against NorthEast United FC as their dominant display against Kerala Blasters FC ensured a 2-0 victory at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Md. Ajsal drew first blood for the Delhi NCR-based side, but a stunning strike from Mangku Kuki just three minutes later ensured that both teams split points in their respective opening game of Asia's oldest tournament.
The Kerala Blasters and Sudeva FC game at the Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium which follows the FC Goa-Indian Air Force game on Matchday 4, will see both teams making a first appearance in this year's tournament while it will be their second overall appearance at the Durand Cup.
Three first-half goals by Jerry Mawihmingthanga (14', 38'), Nandhakumar Sekar (26'), and as many goals in the second half by substitutes Isak Vanlalruatfela (81'), Diego Mauricio (88'), and Thoiba Singh (90+1')
Bengaluru FC face former Premier League champions Leicester City FC's academy team while Kerala Blasters FC play Tottenham Hotspur in the opening round on Wednesday.
Both clubs' reserve teams will face the academy sides of some of the top Premier League clubs in the international competition that will also see an academy side from South Africa as one of the participating teams.
The squad will participate in the upcoming Kerala Women's League organized by Kerala Football Association (KFA) and compete to win the title and qualify for the Indian Women's League (IWL).