DURAND CUP 2021: MATCH PREVIEW – INDIAN AIR FORCE v MOHAMMEDAN SC

KOLKATA, SEPTEMBER 04, 2021: The 130th edition of the oldest club football tournament in Asia – The Durand Cup, is finally upon us and set to commence on Sunday, September 05 featuring a blockbuster Group A clash between the Indian Air Force football team and Kolkata giant Mohammedan Sporting Club. The match is slated for a 4:15 pm kick-off at the Vivekananda Yubabharati Krirangan (VYBK), which can also be streamed live on the addatimes app and website.

The curtain-raiser of the tournament will be preceded by an opening ceremony, which will be graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee.

Mohammedan SC – the first civilian club to win the Durand Cup in 1940, are the sole flag-bearers of Kolkata football in this year’s tournament. Naturally, the grand old club will have incredible backing from a tremendously passionate fan-base from all over the city. As a result, expectations will be sky high.

The Black Panthers’Head Coach, Andrey Chernyshovis no stranger to pressure, having managed the Russian U21 and men’s senior football team (as assistant coach) from the dugouts. Now one of Mohammedan’s own, the head coach addressed how his side will be coping with the weight of expectations.  

“There is pressure in every game and every tournament.  The fans and the club’s management expect victories from us.  We talk a lot about this with the players and they are ready for it”, he said.

The Indian football season is a long and taxing one. However for coach Chernyshov, the Durand Cup is priority number one at the moment.

“We trained well during the preparatory period and played a lot.  We have gathered a lot of good players who create a strong team.  We do not think about the whole season, we always think about the game that awaits us,” he added.

Speaking on how his side have been preparing, he further said, “We are happy with the conditions that we have.  The training is going well.  We want to show good combination football.”

The two-time Durand Champions will be fazed by a tough opening challenge in the form of the Indian Air Force football team led by their excited and passionate head coach. Speaking ahead of the game, Priya Darshan, Head Coach, Indian Air Force football team expressed his thoughts ahead of their first game.

He said, “We are very excited about the Durand Cup. We love the tournament. It is so very special to the armed forces. Preparations are going well. It’s a dream come true for us to be a part of this historic cup.

“Our players will be getting a very good platform to showcase themselves against top ISL and I-League sides, they are all very excited.”

Weighing in on their heavyweight opponents for Sunday, Coach Darshan added, “Mohammedan are one of the oldest clubs in India. Their name itself carries so much weight and history. They have also done very well recently, so we know that we are up against formidable opposition.

On whether his team can keep up with the top ISL and I-League teams, he concluded by saying, “Our team is a combination of youngsters and seniors. Our advantage is physical fitness. It is an integral part that could give us the edge. Apart from that, we will fight till the final whistle and give it our very best shot”.


CREDITS- DURAND CUP MEDIA

 

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: First International Friendly between India and Nepal ends in draw

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…

Share

SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…

Share

SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….

Share

South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore

South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…

Share

Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign

Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…

Share

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share