Kolkata: The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup is poised to commence the 2024-25 football season on July 27 in Kolkata, featuring defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant squaring off against Downtown Heroes FC. This historic tournament will showcase 24 teams competing in a round-robin league format, with advancement to the knockout rounds contingent on group stage performance, as per a press release from the Indian Super League (ISL).
Group A headlines two formidable clubs with storied histories: Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, both record-holders with numerous Durand Cup titles. Joining them are Downtown Heroes FC and Indian Air Force FT, representing India's armed forces.
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A significant narrative emerges as Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, finalists from the previous year's tournament, find themselves in Group A once more. The Kolkata giants have collectively claimed the Durand Cup title a record 33 times, with Mohun Bagan SG accounting for 17 of those victories.
Last season, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG clashed twice, with East Bengal FC prevailing in the group stage, only to be outdone by Mohun Bagan SG in the final, securing their 17th Durand Cup triumph. The upcoming tournament promises another dramatic showdown between these archrivals in the iconic Kolkata Derby, potentially determining the group's advancing team.
Downtown Heroes FC, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and founded in 2020, brings a fresh perspective to the competition with their focus on nurturing young talent. Despite a relatively brief history, they made their Durand Cup debut last season and participated in the 2022-23 I-League Division 2.
Indian Air Force FT adds an unpredictable element to Group A, enhancing the intrigue of the group stage battles as they vie for a spot in the knockout rounds.
Mohun Bagan SG enters the tournament as reigning champions, having also clinched the ISL Shield last season. Under the guidance of head coach Jose Francisco Molina, they aim to build on their success with a strengthened squad that includes notable international signings like Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, and Tom Aldred.
On the other hand, East Bengal FC, eager to close the gap after narrowly missing out on silverware last season, has reinforced their lineup with key acquisitions from the previous campaign, such as Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Jeakson Singh. Led by coach Carles Cuadrat, who has steered the team through formidable cup runs, East Bengal FC is determined to challenge for their 17th Durand Cup title, aiming to equal their archrivals' record.
Cuadrat's tenure has seen East Bengal FC maintain a strong cup performance record, with their only setback being the final loss to Mohun Bagan SG last season. With an optimised squad this year, the Red and Gold Brigade are poised to deliver standout performances in the Durand Cup, setting the stage for a competitive start to the 2024-25 season.
On a whole, the 133rd Durand Cup promises a compelling showcase of football prowess and historic rivalries, with teams like Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC leading the charge in pursuit of glory. As the tournament unfolds in Kolkata, football enthusiasts anticipate thrilling encounters and memorable moments that embody the rich legacy of Indian football. ANI
Published: 23 Jul 2024, 12:47 pm IST
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