Will East Bengal Face Off Against South United in the Durand Cup Season Opener?
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Synopsis
The Durand Cup's 134th edition is about to begin, featuring East Bengal FC facing South United FC in a thrilling opener on July 23. With a month-long tournament ahead, expect intense matches and rivalries, culminating in the final on August 23. Will East Bengal claim victory in their debut match?
Key Takeaways
- The Durand Cup is a prestigious football tournament in India.
- East Bengal FC will open the tournament against South United FC.
- A total of 43 matches will be played in the tournament.
- The final match is set for August 23.
- Kolkata will host two groups in the tournament.
Kolkata, July 7 (NationPress) The 134th edition of the Durand Cup is set to commence on July 23 with East Bengal FC taking on Bengaluru's South United FC (SUFC) at the renowned Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, marking their first match in Group A.
This encounter signifies the beginning of an exhilarating month-long football saga, featuring a total of 43 matches across six cities, culminating in the grand final on August 23.
The official announcement of fixtures and groups occurred on Monday, establishing the framework for a summer filled with intense football rivalries.
The group stage consists of six groups, each comprising four teams, with every group playing six matches. The six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 16 and 17.
The semifinals are set for August 19 and 20, leading up to the championship match on Saturday, August 23rd. Details regarding venues for the knockout stages will be released later.
Kolkata will host two groups, namely Group A and Group B. Following the East Bengal opener, the Indian Air Force Football Team and I-League side Namdhari FC will face SUFC on July 27 and July 30, respectively.
Group B action kicks off on July 28, featuring Mohammedan SC against Diamond Harbour FC at Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The spotlight will then shift to the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby between ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mohammedan SC on July 31 at the same venue. The Border Security Force Football Team will debut against Diamond Harbour on August 1st.
Group C action begins in Jamshedpur on July 24, with local team Jamshedpur FC (JFC) going up against Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FT at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Indian Army Football Team and 1 Ladakh FC will start their matches on July 29 and August 2, respectively.
Kokrajhar will host Group D, featuring ISL club Punjab FC, I-League 3 side Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, local team Bodoland FC, and Indo Tibetan Border Police FT (ITBP FT). The opening match will be between ITBP FT and Karbi Anglong on July 27. Bodoland FC will play their first match on July 31, while Punjab FC will begin on August 3.
Group E will open in Shillong as Shillong Lajong FC faces the Foreign Services Team on July 26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Defending champions NorthEast United FC will kick off their title defense on August 2 against the same team. Additionally, the city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC will clash in the Shillong Derby on July 29.
In Imphal, the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium will host Group F’s opening match on July 30, featuring a local derby between I-League sides TRAU FC and NEROCA FC. The Indian Navy Football Team and I-League side Real Kashmir FC will commence their Group F journey on August 2.
The final group-stage match is set for August 12 in Kokrajhar, where Bodoland FC will face ITBP FT at the SAI Stadium in a Group D showdown.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of the Durand Cup in fostering sportsmanship and unity across the nation. This tournament not only showcases the talent of our teams but also brings together communities in a celebration of football, enhancing our shared national identity.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Durand Cup start?
The Durand Cup will kick off on July 23.
Which teams are playing in the opener?
East Bengal FC will face South United FC in the opening match.
How many matches are there in the tournament?
There will be a total of 43 matches played across six cities.
When is the final match scheduled?
The final match is scheduled for August 23.
Where will the matches be held?
Matches will be held in various venues across six cities, including Kolkata, Jamshedpur, and Shillong.
