133rd Durand Cup Kicks Off in Kolkata

The 133rd Durand Cup is set to start the 2024-25 football season on July 27 in Kolkata. Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Downtown Heroes FC in the opening match.

Teams and Format

The tournament will feature 24 teams competing in a round-robin league format. The six group winners and two best second-placed teams will advance to the knockout round.

Group A

Group A includes:

• Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• East Bengal FC
• Downtown Heroes FC
• Indian Air Force FT

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, with Mohun Bagan winning 17 titles and East Bengal 16.

Kolkata Derby

The Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will be the final match of Group A at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This high-stakes match could determine which team advances to the knockout rounds.

Downtown Heroes FC

Downtown Heroes FC, a relatively new club from Jammu and Kashmir, is making their second consecutive appearance in the Durand Cup. They focus on developing young talent and also participated in the 2022-23 I-League Division 2.

Indian Air Force FT

Indian Air Force FT will also compete, adding an element of surprise to the group stage.

Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG, the reigning champions, have strengthened their squad with notable foreign signings and aim to retain their title. They will start a new chapter with Jose Francisco Molina as the head coach.

East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC has also built a strong squad for the upcoming season. Under Carles Cuadrat, they aim to secure their 17th Durand Cup win and level the tally with Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan -: Mohun Bagan is a famous football club from Kolkata, India. They have a long history and many fans.

East Bengal -: East Bengal is another popular football club from Kolkata, India. They are big rivals with Mohun Bagan.

133rd Durand Cup -: The Durand Cup is a very old football tournament in India. This will be the 133rd time it is held.

Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, known for its rich culture and love for football.

Defending champions -: Defending champions are the team that won the tournament last time. Mohun Bagan won the last Durand Cup.

Downtown Heroes FC -: Downtown Heroes FC is a football club that will play in the Durand Cup. They are not as famous as Mohun Bagan or East Bengal.

Indian Air Force FT -: Indian Air Force FT is a football team made up of players from the Indian Air Force.

Round-robin format -: In a round-robin format, each team plays against all the other teams in their group. The best teams move on to the next stage.

Kolkata Derby -: The Kolkata Derby is a football match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. It is very exciting and important for fans.