Durand cup double-header to decide quarterfinal fate for four teams

Saturday's Durand Cup double-header features two crucial group-stage fixtures. Diamond Harbour FC face Mohun Bagan in a Group B showdown, while Punjab FC and Bodoland FC meet in a must-win Group D clash

Hyderabad: Saturday’s double-header of the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup could have a major say in the knockout race, with all four teams in action fighting to take control of their groups and potentially secure a place in the next round.

In Kolkata, a mouth-watering Group B clash for supremacy sees current table-toppers Diamond Harbour FC take on ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan at 7:00 PM IST.

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Earlier, at 4:00 PM IST in Kokrajhar — 250 kilometres northeast of Kolkata — Punjab FC will meet local side Bodoland FC in a must-win Group D battle at the SAI Stadium.

The evening fixture at the VYBK Stadium carries immense significance. Diamond Harbour FC, atop Group B on goal difference, have been sensational in their debut Durand Cup campaign, scoring 10 goals in two matches, including an 8-1 demolition of Border Security Force SC that announced their arrival on the national stage.

Mohun Bagan have matched Diamond Harbour’s perfect record with two wins from two. After a gritty 3-1 win against Mohammedan SC, Jose Molina’s men found their rhythm in a commanding 4-0 victory over BSF. Forward Liston Colaco has already netted four times in the tournament, and the Mariners’ experienced core will look to use their big-match pedigree to overtake the upstarts.

Diamond Harbour need only a draw to stay ahead on goal difference and qualify for the quarterfinals as group winners, but Mohun Bagan will be gunning for victory to seize the top spot and secure outright qualification, rather than waiting on other results.