The fierce rivalry of the Kolkata Derby is set to heat up in Lucknow as the reserve teams of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant face off in an exhibition match on September 2nd. This unique encounter will be a landmark event, marking East Bengal’s first-ever game in the Uttar Pradesh capital and Mohun Bagan’s return after a gap of 69 years.
The first Kolkata derby of the season, played on July 13th in the Calcutta Football League, saw both sides field their reserve players with East Bengal emerging victorious with a 2-1 win. The scheduled senior derby on August 18th in the 2024 Durand Cup was unfortunately abandoned due to security concerns. Since then, East Bengal bowed out in the quarterfinals while Mohun Bagan advanced to the final, set to be played on August 31st.
While these two giants of Indian football have met in various parts of the country, a derby in Lucknow is unprecedented. The match holds a special significance, as both coaches emphasize the importance of nurturing young talent in Uttar Pradesh.
Deggie Cardozo, the head coach of Mohun Bagan, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a great initiative by the AIFF President to popularise football in Uttar Pradesh. I hope this match will inspire more youngsters to take up football, and in the future, we get a lot more quality players from UP.”
Echoing this sentiment, Bino George, East Bengal head coach, said, “We often stress on grassroots development, and it becomes all the more important for a state like Uttar Pradesh. It is such a big state with so many districts, that if we can popularise football there even a bit, we could see so many talented players coming through. I really appreciate this initiative by the AIFF to bring such a big match to Lucknow.”
When and Where?
The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal FC exhibition match will kick-off at the KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow at 6:30 PM IST on September 2nd.
How to Watch?
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the exhibition match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC on DD Channel. For those seeking live streaming options, the match will be available on the Indian Football YouTube channel.
The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, bringing the Kolkata Derby rivalry to new heights in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. It is a unique opportunity for both clubs to inspire a new generation of footballers and promote the beautiful game in a region with vast potential.
