The Durand Cup 2023 is set to be one of the most exciting football tournaments of the year, featuring 24 top teams from India and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at the schedule and fixtures for this prestigious event:
Durand Cup 2023 Overview
The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is not only the oldest football tournament in Asia but also the third oldest in the world. It holds a rich history and tradition, making it a highly anticipated event in the football calendar.
Participating Teams
This year’s tournament will feature a total of 24 teams, including prominent clubs from the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Armed Forces. Notably, the Army teams from Nepal and Bangladesh will be making a return to the competition after 27 years, adding an extra element of excitement.
Group Stage Format
The participating teams have been divided into six groups, each consisting of four teams. Here are the groups:
Group A: Bangladesh Army FT, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan SG, Punjab FC
Group B: Indian Navy FT, Jamshedpur FC, Mohammedan SC, Mumbai City FC
Group C: Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Indian Air Force FT, Kerala Blasters
Group D: Downtown Heroes FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United FC, Shillong Lajong
Group E: Chennaiyin FC, Delhi FC, Hyderabad FC, Tribhuwan Army
Group F: Bodoland FC, Indian Army FC, Odisha FC, Rajasthan United FC
Venues
The matches will take place at various locations in India, with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar being the host cities. Kolkata, being the footballing hub, will host a significant number of matches, including the grand final at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
Durand Cup 2023 Schedule
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on August 3 and will run through to September 3. A total of 43 matches will be played during this period. The opening match will see Bangladesh Army FT taking on Mohun Bagan SG at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in Kolkata.
Knockout Stage
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. Six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will battle it out for a spot in the quarter-finals and ultimately the final.
Key Fixtures
While every match in the Durand Cup is significant, a few stand out due to their historical significance and intense rivalries. The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Kolkata Derby, one of the fiercest rivalries in football, is expected to draw huge attention. Other notable fixtures include the Kerala derby between Kerala Blasters and Gokulam Kerala FC.
Live Streaming and Telecast
Football enthusiasts can catch all the action from the Durand Cup 2023 through various channels and online platforms. The matches will be telecast live, ensuring that fans worldwide can witness the thrilling encounters.
The Durand Cup 2023 promises to be an unforgettable tournament, showcasing top-class football and celebrating the sport’s rich heritage. Football fans have much to look forward to as the teams compete for the prestigious title and create memorable moments on the field.
2 thoughts on “Durand Cup 2023: Schedule and Fixtures”
Comments are closed.