3 teams which can win Durand Cup 2024
The Durand Cup is one of the most ancient and prestigious tournaments in not only Asia but across the globe. This year will mark the 133rd edition of the tournament and it will be played across four cities, comprising 24 teams from across the country.
The previous edition of the Durand Cup witnessed Mohun Bagan emerge as champions, beating their arch-rivals East Bengal in the final. Notably, this time too, the two sides have been placed in the same group. Mohun Bagan will also be kickstarting the proceedings on July 27, against Downtown Heroes.
In this article, we will be looking at three clubs which can emerge as the champions of Durand Cup 2024.
#1 East Bengal
Considering the work East Bengal have done in the summer transfer window, and keeping in mind that they might field their senior team in the Durand Cup, the Red & Gold Brigade are one of the favorites to win the competition. They could have won the trophy last season too, but a solitary goal from Dimitri Petratos helped their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan to outwit them in the finale.
Notably, East Bengal have played the Durand Cup final on 27 occasions, winning it 16 times in the process. However, their last triumph came back in 2004, and the club will now be hopeful of kicking off the season by bagging this trophy home.
#2 Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan might not be labeled as the favorites this time out, but it's nearly impossible to write them off when someone speaks of the Durand Cup. With their latest championship coming last season, the club has till date won the trophy a record 17 times, one more than their arch-rivals, and have played the final a record 29 times.
Mohun Bagan will play their first match on July 27, but their senior team will start training on July 29. In this case, they are expected to play their senior team on the Kolkata Derby, which will be their third match in the group stages and will be played on August 18. Their reserves squad has lots of talent and the pedigree to outcast teams like Downtown Heroes and Indian Air Force, and hence the young Mariners shouldn't be taken lightly.
#3 NorthEast United
Like last season, NorthEast United will be fielding their senior team in the Durand Cup 2024. The 2023 edition saw the Highlanders suffer a heart-breaking tie-breaker loss to East Bengal in the semi-finals despite being in an advantageous position for most part of the clash. This time out, Juan Pedro Benali's army will be ready to thwart any challenge that comes in front of them.
They have never played the grand finale of the Durand Cup and haven't won a major national accolade since their inception a decade back. They will hope to start their trophy hunt with the Durand Cup this season.