Durand Cup | Group D league matches likely to be shifted out of Siliguri : Reports
As per reports, the Group D matches of the 129th Durand Cup could be taken out of the rain-bogged state with Howrah Stadium emerging as a viable option as of now. This would be the first time that 129-year-old tournament is being held in Bengal with 16 teams competing for the title.
Though the official confirmation hasn’t yet come, TOI has reported that the Group D matches, which compromises of Gokulam Kerala, Chennaiyin FC, Trau and Air Force, would very likely be playing their league matches in the Howrah Stadium.
Established way back in 1888, the Durand Cup has been rejuvenated after a pause of two years and would be having sixteen teams participating. While the I-League teams included Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Chennai City FC, Real Kashmir FC, Gokulam Kerala FC and Trau, the five Indian Super League (ISL) sides have been ATK, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, and Jamshedpur FC.
The other four clubs have been Mohammedan Sporting Club, Army Green, Army Red, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, with all of them divided into four groups. The toppers from each group would be progressing to the semifinals. The ISL side have been reported to not field their first teams in the meet.
The curtain raiser on August 2 would have 16-time champions Mohun Bagan taking on Mohammedan Sporting Club, in a Group B encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium. While Group B also has ATK and Navy, Group A has East Bengal, Army Red, Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC, Group C consists of Real Kashmir FC, Chennai City FC, FC Goa and defending champions Army Green.
