Shillong braces for local derby as Kerala Blasters and CISF lock horns in Kolkata 

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Khel Today Bureau

Shillong/Kolkata: The Meghalayan capital of Shillong is all set to witness the big local derby between Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC as both sides clash in a Group F fixture of the 133rd ImDurand Cup, in the city’s Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium on Saturday. That game will be followed by a key Group C encounter between the Kerala Blasters and CISF Protectors in Kolkata’s  Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), where both teams will eye a win in their quest to top the group and make the knockouts. 

The Super Saturday double-headers kick-off at 4 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) in Shillong and 7 PM IST in Kolkata respectively.

All 43 matches of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) as well as livestreamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform

All to play for in the Shillong derby

While Shillong Lajong opened with a fluent win against Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army in their opening game, Rangdajied were on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller in their opener against FC Goa. Lajong therefore will be desperate for a win with their final game scheduled against FC Goa, while Rangdajied will be looking to pick up their first victory in order to stay alive in the tournament.

Speaking before the match, Hardy Cliff, Captain of Shillong Lajong FC, said, “As our team prepares for the derby at the National level after a decade, the mood within the team is likely a mix of excitement and determination. The opportunity to play in a high-profile match on a larger stage makes the team feel proud and eager. The players and coaching staff understand the importance of this match and are focused on doing their best to make the most of the opportunity.”

The match therefore has all the ingredients of a mouth-watering clash and given the traditional local rivalry in a football-crazy state, stands are expected to be packed.

In-form Kerala Blasters look to top group

The Kerala Blasters have been in great form blasting eight past a hapless young Mumbai side in their tournament opener and doing fighting back to hold a strong Punjab FC to a credible 1-1 draw. A win on Saturday is sure to put pressure on Punjab playing their final game a day later against Mumbai, given the goal difference factor.

The CISF on the other hand will be looking to prove that their win against Mumbai City in the last game was not a one-off and an encore might make them the biggest surprise to make the knockouts. Either way, a keen contest is expected.

ABOUT DURAND CUP

A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament. Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been the breeding ground for India’s best footballing talent, over the years.

The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016. In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base. What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (President’s Cup).

As we embark on this exciting journey over the coming weeks, let us celebrate the beautiful game of football, honour the traditions of the Durand Cup, and look forward to witnessing moments of brilliance that will be etched in our memories forever.