Debasis Sen in Kolkata
The build-up to Sunday’s mouth-watering Kolkata Derby between arch-old rivals Emami East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the Durand Cup quarter-final has reached fever pitch. Demand for tickets is sky-high, but fans have expressed disappointment as only 26,037 tickets have been allocated for general sale.
Out of 62,440 tickets, a staggering 36,403 tickets have been designated as complimentary – reserved for the State Government, the Indian Football Association (IFA), and the two clubs. Additionally, 14,925 tickets have been snapped up by local clubs Mohammedan Sporting and Diamond Harbour FC, as well as the IFA and the competing clubs.
Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have enjoyed a perfect run in the group stage, winning all their matches. In their most recent encounter, the Red-and-Golds came out on top in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Kolkata Football League last month. While Mohun Bagan hold a record 17 Durand Cup titles, East Bengal are right behind with 16. Bragging rights and a place in the semi-final are on the line.
East Bengal’s Game Plan
East Bengal appear reinvigorated this season, bolstered by the signing of four overseas stars—Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Figueira, Hamid Ahadad, and Kevin Sibille—alongside notable Indian additions like Bipin Singh, Edmund Lalrindika, and Martand Raina. Head coach Oscar Bruzon is determined to make his mark, having yet to win a Kolkata Derby – he lost both ISL fixtures against Mohun Bagan last season.
Bruzon is considering deploying three foreign players in midfield, a plan observed during Thursday’s training session at the Centre of Excellence in New Town. Saul Crespo, Miguel Figueira, and Mohammed Rashid formed the midfield trio, with Hamid Ahadad as the lone striker. This would mean East Bengal may have to opt for an all-Indian defensive or attacking line to comply with foreign player restrictions.
In a similar strategy used against Namdhari FC, both Hamid Ahadad and David Lalhlansanga were tested as the lone striker during practice. Bipin Singh and Edmund Lalrindika are expected to operate as the wingers.
Defensively, if Bruzon chooses an all-Indian backline, Anwar Ali and Lalchununga will likely start as central defenders, flanked by Mohammad Rakip and either Martand Raina or Prabhat Lakra as full-backs. Alternatively, Bruzon might pair Argentine centre-back Kevin Sibille with Anwar Ali, in which case Lalchununga and Rakip would likely serve as the full-backs.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants’ Strategy
In contrast, Mohun Bagan’s preparations have been hampered by injuries. Key players Manvir Singh and Kiyan Nassiri remain doubtful. Manvir is nursing a waist injury, while Kiyan twisted his ankle in a recent training session. Salahudheen Adnan is also sidelined with injury, which leaves Jose Molina to consider Pasang Dorjee Tamang as a potential right-wing replacement if needed.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Molina can take comfort in having all five foreign players fit. Australian centre-back Tom Aldred, who picked up a knock during Wednesday’s training, returned to full training on Thursday alongside Alberto Rodríguez. The duo are expected to anchor the central defence, with Ashish Rai and Abhishek Tekcham Singh on the flanks.
In midfield, Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad will control the tempo. Sahal could also slot in on the right wing if Manvir is ruled out. Up front, Molina has a potent trio of Australian strikers to choose from—Jamie McLaren, Jason Cummings, and Dimitri Petratos.
A Derby for the Ages
With just two training sessions remaining, both teams are fine-tuning their final plans for what promises to be an intense and high-stakes Kolkata Derby. Given the rich history, the packed stadium, and the talent on display, fans can expect a thrilling battle as the giants of Indian football clash on Sunday.
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