Will Home Favourites Shine in the Durand Cup 2025?
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Synopsis
As the 134th Durand Cup kicks off on July 23, excitement builds across Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal. With local favorites striving for a strong start, this week promises thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and the emergence of new talent on the footballing stage. Don't miss the action!
Key Takeaways
- Durand Cup features 10 matches across five cities.
- Local favorites aim to gain an early advantage.
- Top ISL teams including East Bengal and Jamshedpur are participating.
- Exciting local derbies expected to draw crowds.
- All matches will be available live on Sony channels.
Kolkata, July 19 (NationPress) The 134th Durand Cup, set to kick off on July 23, features 10 exhilarating matches across five host cities: Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal. This opening week of football action is particularly thrilling as local favorites aim to gain a strong foothold with impressive starts.
Top teams from the Indian Super League (ISL), including East Bengal FC (16-time former champions) and Jamshedpur FC (previous ISL League Winners Shield victors), are set to begin their campaigns in the first two match days. Local derbies featuring renowned teams like Mohammedan Sporting (former champions), Shillong Lajong FC, and Neroca FC (former finalists) are anticipated to draw significant local interest.
As ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, defending champions NorthEast United FC, and ISL side Punjab FC commence their tournaments in week two, securing early points will be crucial for teams aiming for knockout spots.
The initial matches will see East Bengal facing off against Bengaluru League's top division team South United FC in a challenging Group A opener, held in their home ground at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.
Following this, Jamshedpur will take on Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army at their home venue, the JDR Tata Sports Complex in the Steel City. The Red Miners will also compete in a second Group C match during the first week, facing a Malaysian Army team, and their fans expect nothing less than two victories.
With a revamped lineup featuring new foreign recruits, the fans of the Red & Gold brigade will demand a decisive win in their opening match.
The opening derby of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup showcases a unique Kolkata derby, where the century-old Mohammedan Sporting goes head-to-head with Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC), the I-League 2 champions. Mohammedan seeks their first victory against the newly formed and rising squad, having lost one out of two previous encounters.
The second derby will feature the ever-popular Shillong Lajong FC going up against another Shillong team, Rangdaijed United. Both teams are eager to reclaim their past glory, with the match set at the JLN stadium as the inaugural game of Group E.
The final derby of the week will highlight the famous Imphal derby between old rivals Neroca FC and TRAU FC, as the Durand Cup returns to Manipur's capital. The picturesque Khuman Lampak stadium is expected to be filled with enthusiastic football fans once again.
Week one will also spotlight exciting talent from debutants in the Durand Cup. In addition to South United and DHFC, teams like the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will compete against fellow newcomers Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at Kokrajhar’s SAI stadium on July 27, aiming to leave their mark.
Another debutant, Namdhari FC from Punjab, will make their first appearance on July 30, facing South United FC in what will be the latter’s concluding match and the former’s inaugural game in Group A.
All 43 matches of the 134th Durand Cup will be broadcast live on the Sony Ten2 channel and the SonyLIV OTT platform.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of the Durand Cup in promoting football in India. This tournament not only highlights local talent and rivalries but also fosters community engagement. With a rich history and a diverse range of competing teams, the Durand Cup is poised to captivate audiences nationwide.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Durand Cup 2025 start?
The Durand Cup 2025 starts on July 23.
Where will the matches be held?
Matches will take place in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal.
Which teams are the favorites?
Local favorites include East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC.
How can I watch the matches live?
All matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Ten2 channel and the SonyLIV OTT platform.
Who are the debutants in this year's tournament?
Debutants include South United FC, Diamond Harbour FC, and Namdhari FC.
