Kolkata : Repeating the last season’s final, defending champions FC Goa will clash with Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC. The opening match of the 131st Durand Cup will kick-off at 6:00pm at Kolkata’s hallowed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.
FC Goa is blooming with young talent while Mohammedan Sporting are ready to give full throttle in their first official game. The Durand Cup will tour five-cities including Guwahati and Imphal, the two first time host cities.
Mohammedan SC coach Andrey Chernyshov of Russia reiterated the importance of a win to open the season alluding last year’s loss and said, “We all remember that we lost to FC Goa in the last final. Of course, this will give us additional motivation in this match. But we also understand that this is the opening match of the tournament and is an additional excitement. We have lot of new players that we want to see in serious games. Therefore, it is very important for us to start the tournament with a win.”
FC Goa are being managed by Deggie Cardozo in this Durand edition. The Gaurs are brimming with confidence with a well-trained and younger side eager to clinch the opportunity of performing on such a big stage.
A Nation united by the love for the oldest football championship. A legacy running in the veins of its people. Be ready to be stunned as the 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 is set to release its official theme song today. Get ready to be hooked on to the electrifying song, pic.twitter.com/ldSkdEeNt3
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 12, 2022
Coach Cardozo is enthusiastic about his team said, “We’re excited to kickstart our Durand Cup campaign on Tuesday. As we face Mohammedan SC, it will be repeat of last year’s final. They may have done their homework but so have we, and our focus is completely on ourselves and what we can do to get a good result.”
He added, “Starting the tournament on a positive note, with a good result is important and that is what we hope to do on Tuesday. That the match will be held in front of fans gives us some extra motivation.”
The opening ceremony will be of a short but elaborate and live performance, with bands of the Armed Forces on display as well as a performance by star singers Papon and Rewben Mashangwa, of the tournament theme song.
Where to watch: Telecast: Sports18 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel
Live-stream: VOOT
