The DURAND CUP 2023 provides Indian football fans with every potential match-up they could want, starting from the start of the season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal will meet in the season’s first Kolkata derby. This follows their placement in the same group in the 132nd edition, which runs from August 3 to September 3.
The competition has opted to crank up the entertainment factor to 11 by putting key rivalries front and centre from the start. With Kolkata as one of the hosts, supporters may be treated to a Kolkata Derby on August 12th. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are both in Group A, which also includes recently promoted ISL clubs Punjab FC and Bangladesh Services.
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The upcoming tournament will showcase a never-before-seen match between Kerala Blasters and Gokulam Kerala FC at the national level. Although they have come close to facing each other in the past Super Cup and Durand Cup, this time their long-awaited clash is certain.
Adding to the excitement, Bengaluru FC will also be in the same group, renewing their thrilling rivalry with Kerala Blasters in the Durand Cup. Joining these three powerhouses in Group C is the Indian Air Force.
Group B in the tournament features Mumbai City, the reigning champions of India (2022-23), taking on Jamshedpur FC, the previous season’s champions (2021-22). Mohammedan Sporting and the Indian Navy team are also part of the group, which adds to the competition.
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The hosting of some groups in Assam and Meghalaya brings attention to clubs like NorthEast United, Shillong Lajong, and Bodoland FC. NEUFC in Guwahati will face FC Goa, Delhi FC (newly promoted I-League club), and Bhutan Services. Group E, based in Shillong, includes Shillong Lajong, Chennaiyin FC, Hyderabad FC, and Nepal Services. In Kokrajhar, Bodoland FC will compete in Group F with a services team, Odisha FC, and Rajasthan United.
Unfortunately, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, two prominent Imphal-based clubs, are absent from the tournament due to operational difficulties caused by ongoing violence in Manipur. Imphal was initially considered as a host city but the idea was postponed due to security concerns.
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