Santanu Biswas – Clicksage/ Durand cup
The Durand Cup reaches a crucial juncture on Wednesday (August 6th, 2025) with two pivotal Group A and Group D encounters that could shape the knockout stage picture. In what promises to be a footballing spectacular, I-League side Namdhari FC will lock horns with Emami East Bengal FC tomorrow here at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in a potential Group A decider, while Punjab FC take on Durand Cup debutants ITBP FT at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, as both teams aim to consolidate their positions in Group D.
Potential Group A decider in Kolkata
The evening clash in Kolkata pits Namdhari FC against 16-time Durand Cup champions East Bengal FC in a mouthwatering clash. Both teams arrive in imperious form, having dominated their respective opening fixtures and setting up this mouth-watering encounter.
Namdhari FC have been the revelation of Group A under Argentine head coach Fernando Capobianco. The Punjab-based side opened their campaign with a disciplined 2-0 victory over South United FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, with late goals from Bhupinder Singh and Degol sealing a professional performance. They followed this up with an even more impressive 4-2 triumph over Indian Air Force FT, showcasing their attacking prowess with Manvir Singh starring in the victory.
The 41-year-old Capobianco, who joined Namdhari in September 2024, has instilled a balanced 4-4-2 formation that has yielded six points from two games. The Argentine tactician’s emphasis on tactical discipline and organized play has transformed Namdhari into genuine contenders for group qualification.
East Bengal FC, meanwhile, have shown they mean business in their quest to end a 21-year Durand Cup drought. Under Spanish head coach Oscar Bruzon, the Red and Gold Brigade demolished South United FC 5-0 in their tournament opener, with goals from Lalchungnunga, Saúl Crespo, Bipin Singh, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Naorem Mahesh Singh underlining their title credentials.
Bruzon, who was appointed in October 2024, has overseen significant squad changes with the additions of Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, Palestinian international Mohammed Rashid, and Argentine defender Kevin Sibille strengthening their ranks. The Spanish tactician’s tactical acumen and preference for attacking football has rejuvenated East Bengal’s campaign.
With both teams having already secured crucial wins and Indian Air Force FT struggling with just one point from two games, this encounter could very well decide Group A’s winner and potentially determine seeding for the knockout rounds.
Punjab FC seek to maintain momentum in Kokrajhar
Earlier in the day at Kokrajhar’s SAI Stadium, Indian Super League side Punjab FC will aim to build on their dramatic opening victory when they face ITBP FT in another crucial Group D fixture.
Punjab FC is looking to keep their winning streak going against ITBP FT in what’s shaping up to be a big Group D match. The Shers just pulled off an epic 2-1 comeback win against Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, with Pramveer Singh and Konsam Sanathoi Singh netting goals after they were down. Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis is rolling with a young, all-Indian squad, really focusing on their academy talent.
Keep an eye out for 17-year-old Singamayum Shami, plus seasoned pros like Nikhil Prabhu and Vinit Rai. Newcomers Muhammed Uvais and Bijoy Varghese have also been making waves.
The Indo Tibetan Border Police FT, making their Durand Cup debut, also grabbed a 2-1 victory over ten-man Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, showing they are no pushovers. Coached by Surojit Kumar, this paramilitary team, playing a 4-4-2, will definitely give Punjab FC a run for their money with their disciplined style and grit, even if they’re less experienced.
Stakes and expectations
Both Wednesday fixtures carry significant implications for the knockout phase qualification. In Group A, a victory for either East Bengal or Namdhari could virtually guarantee top spot, while a draw would keep both teams in strong positions heading into their final group matches.
For Punjab FC, three points would put them in pole position in Group D and showcase their credentials as one of the tournament’s stronger sides. Having reached the quarter-finals last year before losing to Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties, Dilmperis will be eager to go one step further this time.
ITBP FT, meanwhile, will be hoping to spring another surprise and keep their maiden Durand Cup campaign alive. Their victory over Karbi Anglong has already exceeded many expectations, and another positive result could see them emerge as genuine dark horses in the group.
The stage is set for another compelling day of Durand Cup action, with both fixtures offering contrasting narratives but equal intrigue as the tournament moves closer to its knockout phase.
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