The line-up for the quarter-finals of the 133rd Durand Cup were announced on Sunday by the Local Organizing Committee after a draw was held virtually with representatives of the eight qualified teams present. A decision to shift the second quarter-final from Kolkata to Shillong was also taken, taking into consideration the playing conditions.
The Quarter-Final line-ups of the 133rd Durand Cup, to be played at 16:00 hrs and 19:00hrs at all venues, are as follows:
Quarter-Final 1 (August 21, 2024 @ SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar): Northeast United FC VS Indian Army FT, 4:00 PM
Quarter-Final 2 (August 21, 2024 @ Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong): Shillong Lajong FC VS Emami East Bengal FC, 7:00 PM
Quarter-Final 3 (August 23, 2024 @ JRD Tata Sports Complex): Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Punjab FC, 4:00 PM
Quarter-Final 4 (August 23, 2024 @ Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata): Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC, 7:00 PM
After the FC Goa versus Shillong Lajong FC Group F game in Shillong concluded on Saturday evening and it became clear who the eight qualified teams were, a video call was arranged where representatives of all qualified teams came on board. A live draw of lots was then conducted in front of them and two teams to play in each venue was finalised.
The Durand Cup derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, scheduled at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday, was called off because of the prevailing unrest in the city. Kolkata has been witnessing widespread protests following the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
Around one lakh people are expected to gather near the 66,000-capacity stadium, especially after both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal fan clubs called for protests. With the group stage being called off, fans of both the Kolkata giants can expect a meeting between the sides in the Durand Cup final. Sources though confirmed that the venue of the final may be in question in that scenario with it being scheduled to be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 31st.
The 133rd Durand Cup kick-started on July 27, 2024, with the final slated for August 31, 2024, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. A total of 24 teams, took part in this year’s edition, including one foreign team from Nepal and all teams of India’s top football division, the Indian Super League (ISL), except Hyderabad FC – who backed out at the eleventh hour.
Comments
0 comment