Durand Cup 2023: What to expect from Group B

Fans can expect highly entertaining matches from Group B of the Durand Cup 2023.

The 2023 Durand Cup is right around the corner. It is going to be the 132nd edition of the oldest tournament in Asia and it will take place from 3 August 2023 to 3 September 2023. Football fans in India cannot wait for the tournament to begin which will see 24 teams battle it out for the trophy.

Each and every group at the 2023 Durand Cup contains teams that are raring to kickstart their season on a high and leave a mark on the competition. Group B in particular is attracting a lot of attention. It has the reigning Indian Super League Shield winners Mumbai City FC, one of the favourites to win the tournament. Challenging the ISL heavyweights will be the Indian Navy, I-League heavy-hitters Mohammedan SC and former ISL Shield winners Jamshedpur FC.

Navigating through Group B will be tough for the Islanders considering the quality of the teams in it. As the tournament nears its inception, here is a look at what Group B has to offer at the 2023 Durand Cup:

Strengths

Indian Navy football team will be the underdogs of the competition. Representing the armed forces at the tournament is a huge honor and that can work in favour of them. Players will be motivated to punch above their weight against experienced foreign players and talented domestic players.

Jamshedpur FC went through a difficult 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League, finishing in 10th place after failing to live up to the weight of expectations. As the club strives to make amends, the acquisition of new players such as Rei Tachikawa of Japan and Alen Stevanovic of Serbia among others make JFC a strong team. Scott Cooper’s experience will give JFC an edge going into the competition. 

Mohammedan SC are one of the strongest teams from the I-League that have a chance at winning the competition. They were the finalists in the 2021 edition of the tournament and would aim to finally win it. They are the outside favourites considering the strength on paper but overcoming ISL clubs might be challenging.

Mumbai City FC are heavy favourites to win the 2023 Durand Cup. The Islanders come to the tournament with one of the strongest teams in Indian football. Des Buckingham will aim to give the fringe players more game time but his tactics and the overall strength of the team makes them dangerous opponents.

Weaknesses

Indian Navy football team lack the foreign talent that other teams have. This puts them under pressure despite the talented players that make up the team. It will be interesting to see how the outfit tackles the technical superiority of their opponents in the group stages.

Jamshedpur FC are far from being a well-oiled unit. With a new manager and players stepping into the team, it remains to be seen if the Men of Steel can get the chemistry right. In comparison to other teams in Group B, JFC look the most under-prepared.

Mohammedan SC lack strength on paper compared to the Indian Super League clubs. Theirs will be an uphill battle. While the Black Panthers will back themselves to secure a victory against the Indian Navy, defeating JFC and MCFC will require herculean effort.

Mumbai City FC are a team that shows virtually no weakness. Beating them requires an unrelenting will to win. The only thing that may work in favour of the rest of the three teams in Group B is Buckingham’s plan to rotate and give youngsters the centre stage.

Favourites to qualify

Mumbai City FC are the favourite team to qualify from Group B. They are simply too strong on paper and it will take a huge upset to deny their qualification for the knockout stages. The Islanders will be preparing earnestly to win the Durand Cup for the first time in their history. They reached the final last time around and finally winning the coveted trophy will be high on the agenda.

Underdogs to qualify

Mohammedan SC are the dark horses from Group B of the 2023 Durand Cup. While the people will be betting on ISL outfits to secure the first position that ensures direct qualification into the knockouts, the Black Panthers may spring up a surprise.