Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Jamshedpur FC aim for revival against Mohammedan SC

The Men of Steel are yet to win a game in the tournament.

Mohammedan SC will take on Jamshedpur FC in their second fixture of Durand Cup 2022. Mohammedan SC have revived their lost reputation over the last few years. They will have a tough game against the young bloods of Tata Football Academy. On the other hand, the club from Jharkhand need to win the game else they would fail to make it out of the group stages again this year.  

The Stakes

Mohammedan SC

The Black Panthers missed the title last season by a margin of one-goal to FC Goa. This time they’ll look to rectify the mistakes and win the prestigious cup. They had a great domestic campaign last season as they finished second in the I-League. In the opening fixture, Mohammedan SC had a powerful comeback against FC Goa. They are expected to be a tough contender in the tournament and need to prove their mettle against the Men of Steel. 

Jamshedpur FC

Under new coach Carlos, the young lads of Jamshedpur FC played eye-catching football against Bengaluru FC. The boys had some quick passes in the final third and troubled the Blues’ defence throughout. Their scintillating display in the previous game have raised many eyebrows and the young Jamshedpur FC are now a team to watch out for in the tournament. But since they lost the first game, the next match remains to be an important one, if they want to secure qualification to the knockout stage.

Team News

Mohammedan SC have all the players available for the game. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC had few players subbed off due to cramps while playing in extreme conditions. But after the four-day gap, they are expected to make it into the team.

Head-to-Head

Mohammedan SC have previously faced Jamshedpur FC reserves in second division of the I-league. It will be the first top-tier match between the teams.

Probable line-ups

Mohammedan Sporting: Sankar Roy (GK), Samad Ali Mallick, Wayne Vaz, Shaher Shaheen, Abhash Thapa, Milan Singh, Nuriddin Davronov, Christy Davis, SK Faiaz, Azharuddin Mallick, Marcus Joseph

Jamshedpur FC: Mohit Dhami (GK), Kojam Beyong, Sandeep Mandi, Rishi, Aryan Sonawal, Piyush Thakuri, Nayan Tamang, Vikash Singh, Vinil Poojary, Lalruatmawia, Lenin

Man to watch

Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan SC)

Marcus Joseph needs no introduction and yet again he will be the one to watch out for Mohammedan SC. He has made things difficult for the defenders ever since he came to India. The forward has set different standards for his goal-scoring prowess. Undoubtedly, Joseph will play a key role for the Black and Whites if they are to win the Durand Cup.

Piyush Thakuri (Jamshedpur FC)

Piyush Thakuri is the new promising wide player coming from the TATA Football Academy. He possesses tremendous dribbling abilities and ball control. Thakuri constantly made those overlapping runs down the flanks and seems to be a new player under the new coach. He was creating serious problems for last season’s debut star Hira Mondal. 

Against Mohammedan SC, Piyush Thakuri needs to be more decisive while carrying the ball forward. The player always looked to dribble past and avoid making simple passes when it was needed.

Did you know?

• Jamshedpur FC are yet to win a game in the Durand Cup in their short history.
• Mohammedan SC are two time champions of Durand Cup.
• Mohammedan SC are the first Indian team to lift the trophy in the pre-independence era.

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Mohammedan SC will kick off at 6 pm IST on August 21 (Sunday). It will be broadcasted on the Sports18 network - Sports 18 1 SD & HD as well as Sports 18 Khel (Hindi commentary). The game will also be streamed on Voot and Jio TV.