The Durand Cup has been catapulted to “tournament of importance” status after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made it mandatory for the Indian clubs to play two Cup competitions, apart from the ISL. This ensured that teams play at least 27 matches a season.
The expanded calendar thus has made the Durand Cup the season-opening tournament where top teams will be vying for honours. ATK Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, who were absent last year, will be playing to give the tournament a much-needed boost. The organisers had planned the Derby as the opening match but following a revision of the fixtures, defending champions FC Goa take on runners-up Mohammedan Sporting on Tuesday. Mohammedan Sporting have retained their nucleus with Trinidadian marksman Marcus Joseph leading the lines.
Players like Milan Singh and Abhishek Ambekar bring in the experience with the likes of former Lokomotiv Moscow and Tajikistan national team player Nuriddin Davronov give the X-factor. Mohammedan Sporting also have Senegalese defender Ousmane N’Diaye in their ranks.
In the build-up to the tournament, the Andrey Chernyshov-coached side played two practice matches, losing to ATK Mohun Bagan and winning against Chennaiyin FC. Dipendu Biswas, the team manager, said he was hopeful of a good show.
“We have a balanced side and should give our rivals a tough time,” he said. The tournament will see the return of Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri. For someone who has won most of the trophies in Indian football, Durand is one missing from his cabinet. “It’s an added motivation,” he said on Sunday. Bengaluru have also bolstered their defence by roping in Sandesh Jhingan.
Tuesday’s match: Mohammedan Sporting vs FC Goa (Salt Lake Stadium, 7pm, live on Sports 18 1)
CM brother on IFA mind
Indian Football Association (IFA) chairman Subrata Dutta and Larsing Ming Sawyan of the Meghalaya Football Association on Sunday contested the All India Football Federation (AIFF) returning officer Umesh Sinha’s decision to disqualify their names from the electoral college.
The duo were “deemed disqualified as per provisions of the draft Constitution.” If Dutta ‘loses the contest’, president Ajit Banerjee, elder brother of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, will be the IFA’s nominee to the electoral college.
Meanwhile, 36 eminent footballers, including Manoranjan Bhattacharya, Prasun Banerjee, Bhaichung Bhutia, IM Vijayan and Bembem Devi, have found their names in the electoral college. Bhutia said he hasn’t decided on contesting elections.