Durand Cup 2024 groups and fixtures announced; Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC set to clash again
The 133rd Durand Cup is approaching, with 24 teams set to participate in Indian football’s curtain-raiser competition, starting from July 27. The draw for the group stage and the fixtures has been revealed, promising several exciting matches in the competition.
Among all the games, the most anticipated is undoubtedly the Kolkata derby between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Last year’s Durand Cup final, where the Mariners narrowly triumphed over their bitter rivals, is set to be replayed at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with both teams paired in Group A once again. The match is scheduled for August 18 at 7:00 PM.
In Group B, the newly promoted ISL team Mohammedan SC are paired with Bengaluru FC. Another notable game includes the Group C clash between Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC, though it remains to be seen whether both teams will field their best teams or stick with youngsters. Fellow ISL team Punjab FC, who have opted for a complete squad rebuild, are also in the same group.
Group D features Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, with Owen Coyle set to face his former team. Group E, meanwhile, includes Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC, while the final group will see FC Goa and Hyderabad FC face off, which is another notable clash in Durand Cup.
There are two I-League teams participating - Inter Kashi FC and Shillong Lajong FC, while Downtown Heroes FC, who play in the I-League 2, are also present. Assam-based club Bodoland FC, who participated last season as well, will compete as well.
Additionally, there are invitational teams from the Armed Forces, including Indian Air Force FT and Indian Army FT, as well as international teams with Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC and the Bangladesh Army Football Team, both returning from the previous edition.
Four venues will host the tournament - Jamshedpur and Shillong, joining Kolkata and Kokrajhar, which were also hosts for last year’s Durand Cup. The six best teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, alongside two of the best runners-up. The finals will be held on August 31 in Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Durand Cup 2024 Groups
Group A (Kolkata): Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Indian Air Force FT, Downtown Heroes FC
Group B (Kolkata): Bengaluru FC, Inter Kashi FC, Indian Navy FT, Mohammedan SC
Group C (Kolkata): Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Punjab FC, CISF Protectors FT
Group D (Jamshedpur): Jamshedpur FC, Chennaiyin FC, Indian Army FT, Bangladesh Army FT
Group E (Kokrajhar): Odisha FC, NorthEast United FC, Bodoland FC, BSF FT
Group F (Shillong): FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Tribhuvan Army FC
Notable Durand Cup 2024 fixtures
Group A: Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC (18th August, 7:00 PM)
Group B: Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan SC (6th August, 7:00 PM)
Group C: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC (1st August, 7:00 PM), Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC (4th August, 4:00 PM), Punjab FC vs Mumbai City FC (11th August, 4:00 PM)
Group D: Chennaiyin FC vs Jamshedpur FC (4th August, 7:00 PM)
Group E: NorthEast United FC vs Odisha FC (16th August, 7:00 PM)
Group F: FC Goa vs Hyderabad FC (5h August, 7:00 PM)
Click the link for full fixtures.