Kolkata : : The 131st Durand Cup is in full swing, and on the third consecutive day of double headers, title holders FC Goa play the Indian Air Force at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK), while the Kerala Blasters and Sudeva FC of Delhi meet each other at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
Champions look for first win
The Gaurs will look to Muhammed Nemil to fulfil a star turn yet again, as he did with a wonderful opening goal against Mohammedan, but the Air Force, who display seasoned players like Shibinraj in goal, Arshdeep in defence, Sourav Shadhukan in midfield, and former Mizoram Santosh Trophy-winning captain Zico Zoremsanga and Mandeep Singh upfront, will certainly present a challenge.
𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 💚#ForcaGoa #FCGIAF #DurandCup2022 pic.twitter.com/wRtoO3Wwnq
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) August 19, 2022
Although the Air Force hasn’t played in three days, and the Gaurs had, therefore the Goan head coach Deggie Cardozo will also need to take that into consideration.
Two first tournament appearances in Guwahati
It’s going to be thrilling to see how things play out on the field considering that Kerala is bringing a fresh team and Sudeva is having a strong transfer season, but both teams have players on their rosters that the opposition will be afraid of.
Our @thedurandcup campaign kicks off against @SudevaDelhi! ⚽👊#DurandCup #YennumYellow #KBFC #കേരളബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് pic.twitter.com/KoRmRFq2An
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) August 19, 2022
The Blasters may use Sudeva’s Shubho Paul against them in attack, and Sudeva will have their hands full with players like Vibin Mohanan, who won the India U-20 SAFF Championship, and excellent midfielders like Ebindas Yesudasan among their ranks.
The Delhi side on the other hand does not lack talent as well with the likes of Abhijit Sarkar, who impressed one and all in the FIFA U-17 world cup held in India and later, in their squad. They also bring in experience in midfield with the likes of Souvik Das who has played in the highest echelons of Indian football and with the top clubs as well, as they do in wing play with the likes of journey man Chesterpaul Lyngdoh.
