Defending champions FC Goa clash with Mohammedan Sporting in tournament opener
In the first match of Group A of the 131st edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, reigning champions FC Goa meet local juggernaut Mohammedan Sporting Club in a re-run of the final of the previous edition.
On August 16, the game is scheduled to start at 7pm at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.
As the first official game of the latest Indian football season begins, brimming with young talent, Goa team and Mohammedan Sporting are all firing. The setup included a trophy tour of five cities, including Guwahati and Imphal, the two first-time host cities.
The home team’s gaffer Andrey Chernyshov of Russia reiterated the importance of a win at the start of the season and also alluded to last year’s defeat: “We all remember that we lost to FC Goa in the last final. That will of course motivate us in this match. But we also understand that this is the opening game of the tournament and means an added excitement. We have a lot of new players that we want to see in serious games. It is therefore very important for us to start the tournament with a win.”
In this edition of Durand, the Gaurs are led by Deggie Cardozo and ooze confidence with a well-trained and youthful squad eager to jump at the chance to play on the big stage.
They are spearheaded on the pitch by players like Muhammad Nemil, who first turned heads in the previous Durand with a Sunil Chetri-style miracle goal. Ayush Chetri and Phrangki Buam also add a lot of stability to the lineup.
Coach Cardozo was just as enthusiastic as his team when he said: “We look forward to kickstarting our Durand Cup campaign on Tuesday. As we meet Mohammedan SC there will be a repeat of last year’s final. They may have done their homework but so have we and we are totally focused on ourselves and what we can do to achieve a good result.”
He added: “It’s important to start the tournament on a positive note, with a good result, and we hope to achieve that on Tuesday. The fact that the game is being played in front of fans gives us additional motivation.”
On the other hand, the Black & White brigade has retained the core of the team from last season, with Trinidadian shooter Marcus Joseph still in charge of the lines. Players like former Lokomotiv Moscow player and newcomer to the Tajik national team Nuriddin Davronov bring the potential X-Factor, along with midfielders Milan Singh and Abhishek Ambekar who bring experience.
All in all, the game looks competitive on a tough outfield as rain ravages the City of Joy in the days leading up. The winner is whoever slides in best.
Ahead of the match, there will be a short but elaborate and lively opening ceremony, featuring bands from the armed forces and the tournament’s theme song performed by star singers Papon and Rewben Mashangwa.
(Contributions by IANS)