Durand Cup 2024-25: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal Clash in Group A

The 133rd Durand Cup, India's oldest football tournament, is set to kick off the 2024-25 season on July 27 in Kolkata. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Downtown Heroes FC in the opening match.

The tournament will feature 24 teams competing in a round-robin league format, with six group winners and two best second-placed teams advancing to the knockout round. Group A includes two record-holding title winners: Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC.

Mohun Bagan SG, the reigning champions, have bolstered their squad with notable foreign signings, including Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Alberto Rodriguez, and Tom Aldred. They will aim to retain their title and continue their trophy-winning spree.

East Bengal FC, the other Kolkata giant, has also built a formidable squad, acquiring the services of last season's standout performers, including Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, and Jeakson Singh. They will aim to close the gap and secure their 17th Durand Cup win, leveling the tally with their arch-rivals.

Group A also includes Downtown Heroes FC, a relatively new club founded in 2020, and Indian Air Force FT, representing the armed forces from India. Their participation could add an element of surprise to the group stage.

The two finalists from the 2023 Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, are once again pitted in the same group for the third consecutive time. The result of their high-stakes encounter could determine which Kolkata-based team advances to the knockout rounds.

The Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament that has been won by some of India's most famous clubs, including Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, and Bengaluru FC. It is a major event in the Indian football calendar and provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent.

Tags: #DurandCup, #Football, #KolkataDerby, #MohunBagan, #EastBengal