The anticipation for the first Kolkata Derby of the season was shattered when the Durand Cup 2024 match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant was abruptly abandoned at the Salt Lake Stadium a day before the scheduled game. This unexpected turn of events has thrown East Bengal’s qualification for the quarterfinals into uncertainty, while Mohun Bagan has secured their spot.
The abandonment means both teams will likely receive a point each, leaving Mohun Bagan at the top of Group A and East Bengal in second place. While Mohun Bagan has qualified for the quarterfinals with this point, East Bengal’s path to the final-eight is more convoluted.
In this edition of the Durand Cup, 24 teams were divided into six groups of four. The group winners and the top two second-placed teams across all groups advance to the knockout stages. East Bengal, having won both their previous matches and scored six goals, was initially in a strong position to qualify. However, the abandoned derby means their fate now hinges on the outcome of FC Goa’s match against Shillong Lajong on August 17th.
Here’s a breakdown of the possible scenarios and their impact on East Bengal’s qualification:
Scenario 1: FC Goa Loses
If FC Goa loses, they will finish with six points from three matches. East Bengal, with their additional point from the abandoned derby, would have seven points, securing their qualification for the quarterfinals. Shillong Lajong would qualify as the Group F topper.
Scenario 2: FC Goa Draws
If Goa draws, their goal difference will remain lower than East Bengal’s. Despite both teams having the same number of points, East Bengal’s superior goal difference would see them progress to the final-eight. Shillong Lajong would still qualify as the Group F winner.
Scenario 3: FC Goa Wins
If FC Goa wins, they will have nine points from three games, earning them the Group F top spot. In this case, the second-placed spot would be determined between Shillong Lajong and East Bengal. However, East Bengal’s higher goal difference would ensure their qualification as the second-placed team from Group F.
Therefore, regardless of the outcome of FC Goa’s match against Shillong Lajong, both Kolkata teams are set to participate in the knockout stages of the Durand Cup 2024.
