Debasis Sen, Kolkata
The stage is set for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Durand Cup 2025, with the Kolkata derby emerging as the headline fixture. Both Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Emami East Bengal enter the clash unbeaten through the group stage. The Mariners hold a record 17 Durand Cup titles, while East Bengal are close behind with 16. Bragging rights and a spot in the semi-final will be at stake when the two Kolkata giants face each other.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants, who completed a domestic double last season by winning both the ISL Shield and Cup, will be aiming to lift the Durand Cup this time. Jose Molina’s side were runners-up last season, losing in the final to NorthEast United FC. The management has retained the core squad with a few additions for this season, the most notable being left-back Abhishek Tekcham Singh from Punjab FC.
However, Molina’s biggest concern will be the injury issues plaguing his squad before the all-important Kolkata derby. Both Manvir Singh and Kiyan Nassiri are doubtful for the Durand Cup quarter-final. Manvir is dealing with swelling around his waist and has been advised by the medical staff to rest for a few days to allow the inflammation to subside. Kiyan also suffered an ankle injury during a recent training session. To make matters worse, key defender, Tom Aldred, picked up an injury during training on Wednesday. The Australian was seen limping off the pitch, though sources close to the team suggest it was a precautionary move.
Amidst the injury setbacks, Molina will take some relief from the return of Alberto Rodriguez, who is regaining match fitness. The Spanish centre-back has trained with the main squad over the last two sessions and is expected to start against East Bengal. If Aldred’s injury is not serious, then the trusted centre-back duo of Aldred and Rodriguez will start, alongside Ashish Rai and Abhishek Tekcham Singh in defence.
The midfield will be marshalled by Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad, although Sahal may also be deployed on the right wing in place of Manvir. Pasang Dorjee Tamang is another option Molina might consider in the derby. Up front, Jamie McLaren will partner compatriot Jason Cummings in attack.
Anticipation for the Kolkata derby is sky-high. Online ticket sales will begin at 11 am on Thursday. Fans can redeem their online tickets from the Mohammedan Sporting Club box office on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am onwards. Offline ticket sales will begin on Saturday, August 16, from the two club outlets at 11 am.
The quarter-finals kick off on Saturday with Shillong Lajong FC taking on Indian Navy FT, followed by Bodoland FC facing NorthEast United FC in Kokrajhar. On Sunday, Jamshedpur FC will meet Diamond Harbour FC in the third quarter final at 4pm before the much-anticipated Kolkata derby concludes the last-eight fixtures.
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