Adwin's corner found Chandra for the opener, quickly countered by a powerful shot from Denzell for RUFC. A penalty for Odisha FC, confidently converted by Aphaoba, secured a vital lead. The team held firm against RUFC's pressure, sealing a well-deserved victory.
The ISL winners Mumbai City FC kick-started the new season from where they left off in the previous season, and their head coach, Des Buckingham, fielded a strong lineup against the Black Panthers, who troubled them significantly in the last Durand Cup.
The ISL side put past three with the help of Ogbeche (6'), Akash Mishra (45'), and Javier Siverio (68') whereas Rajasthan United FC managed to equalise with a goal from Martin Chaves (29', P) but it was too little to make any difference.
The Mariners under Juan Ferrando have significantly strengthened in the summer despite losing the likes of Roy Krishna, David Williams and Sandesh Jhingan.