The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, two of India’s most prominent football clubs, will continue in a unique setting: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The reserve sides of the clubs will face off in an exhibition match on September 2nd, marking a new chapter in their long-standing rivalry.
This match comes after their scheduled senior derby in the 2024 Durand Cup was abandoned on August 18th due to security concerns. East Bengal subsequently bowed out in the quarterfinals, while Mohun Bagan advanced to the final.
The match in Lucknow holds special significance for both teams. East Bengal, despite its 104-year history, has never played a match in the Uttar Pradesh capital. Mohun Bagan, established in 1889, will return to Lucknow after 69 years, their last match there being an exhibition draw against Lucknow XI in 1955.
The match is seen as a positive step in promoting football in Uttar Pradesh. Mohun Bagan’s head coach, Deggie Cardozo, expressed his hopes that the match will inspire young players in the region. East Bengal’s head coach, Bino George, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development in a state with so much potential.
This exhibition match comes on the heels of the first Kolkata derby of the season in the Calcutta Football League, which saw East Bengal’s reserve side emerge victorious over Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 on July 13th. The match featured a unique dynamic, as both teams fielded reserve players under Indian coaches due to the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) recent regulation barring foreign players in domestic leagues. This was also the first meeting between the two rivals in the CFL after a five-year hiatus.
The exhibition match in Lucknow promises to be a significant event in the world of Indian football, bringing the historic rivalry of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan to a new audience and potentially inspiring the next generation of footballers in Uttar Pradesh.
