East Bengal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Calcutta Football League’s opening derby clash. The match featured a unique twist as both teams fielded their reserve players under Indian coaches due to a recent AIFF regulation barring foreign players in domestic leagues. Young Kerala recruits, Vishnu and Thonikkara, scored for East Bengal while Suhail Bhat pulled one back for Mohun Bagan late in the game.
The 2024 Durand Cup, the prestigious football tournament in India, is set to commence on July 27th, with the highly anticipated clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant scheduled for August 18th. The defending champions, Mohun Bagan, will open their campaign against Downtown Heroes FC on July 27th, while East Bengal, the last edition’s runner-up, will face Indian Air Force two days later.
Anwar Ali’s move to East Bengal following a unilateral termination of his loan agreement with Mohun Bagan Super Giant has ignited a legal battle. Mohun Bagan has the option to challenge the transfer through the All India Football Federation’s Player Status Committee, potentially leading to FIFA intervention and even the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The controversy hinges on the legitimacy of the termination and whether it meets the requirements of the AIFF’s regulations.
The Durand Cup 2024, the prestigious Indian football tournament, is set to kick off later this month. The draw has thrown up a highly anticipated group stage clash between Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Indian national team defender Anwar Ali has joined East Bengal on a five-year contract, marking a significant transfer in Kolkata football. He previously played for Mohun Bagan, the arch-rival, on loan. The move comes amidst new FIFA regulations limiting loan durations and a failed attempt by Ali to secure a permanent move to Mohun Bagan.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning ISL shield champions, have strengthened their defense with the signing of experienced English defender Tom Aldred. Aldred, who has played in England, Scotland, and Australia, expressed his excitement to join the Kolkata club and contribute to their success in the ISL and Asian Champions League.
On Saturday, the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) will witness a clash between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC, the two top teams of the season. Mohun Bagan, led by 66-year-old coach Antonio Lopez Habas, won the league shield but will face a tough challenge from Mumbai City FC, which has conceded the fewest goals in the league this season. The match will be played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, and both teams will be looking to end the season on a high. This will be Habas’s last match as Mohun Bagan coach as he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
In a gripping encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant battled to a thrilling 0-0 draw. Despite numerous opportunities, both teams failed to find the back of the net.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 semifinal first leg between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be played on Tuesday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Mohun Bagan, the reigning ISL champion, qualified for the last-four by finishing atop the points table, while Odisha FC advanced after defeating Kerala Blasters in the playoffs.
