Durand Cup 2022 preview: Hyderabad FC, Rajasthan United eye maiden semifinals berth

Both clubs have never made it to the last four stage of the tournament.

In the final quarter-final clash of the Durand Cup 2022, two opposite teams will face each other. On one hand we have Rajasthan United, the overachievers in this tournament. In the other corner, reigning Indian Super League (ISL) playoff champions Hyderabad FC aim to continue their march and lift the trophy.

It should be a fascinating game between these two exciting teams. But the team that can be more ruthless on the field will progress and set a date with Bengaluru FC in the semifinals.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC have had a relatively comfortable run in the Durand Cup 2022 so far. Despite suffering one shock loss, the Nizams waltzed their way to winning their group. However, the real test starts now for Manolo Marquez’s side, as they move into the knockout rounds.

The Nizams are intent on lifting the Durand Cup title and building on their (short) history in Indian football. They’ll have to be wary of the intensity of Rajasthan and their blistering attacking strength. Marquez has to keep his players’ concentration levels at 100% and make sure they don’t take their eyes off the prize in order to avoid anything disastrous.

Rajasthan United

For Rajasthan United, however, the case is quite different. Nobody, even most of their players themselves, could imagine they’d progress from the ‘Group of Death’. But they did, defeating ATK Mohun Bagan and holding East Bengal to a draw, piping both of them to book a place in the knockout rounds.

Having made history already, Rajasthan United have nothing to lose. They’ll be playing without pressure and with nothing to lose, they will be willing to take risks and pile misery on the Nizams. That makes them extremely dangerous. There isn’t a lot at stake for them, but if Rajasthan wins, they’ll know that they can further solidify their standing in Indian football.

Team News

Both teams have not reported any injury concerns ahead of the crucial fixture.

Head-to-head

This will be the first time Hyderabad FC and Rajasthan United face each other. Both teams are comparatively young in Indian football and play in different leagues, which should make this game even more fascinating.

Probable Line-ups

Hyderabad FC: Laxmikant Kattimani (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Odei Onaindia, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Akash Mishra; Hitesh Sharma, Sweden Fernandes, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, Borja Herrera; Joel Chianese, Bartholomew Ogbeche

Rajasthan United FC: Vishal Joon (GK); Melroy Assisi, Jagdeep Singh, Aydar Mambetaliev, Hardik Bhatt; Lalliansanga Renthlei,  Bektur Amangeldiev, William Neihsial, Lalremsanga Fanai; Youssef Atriss, Alister Anthony

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Man to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Bart Ogbeche took his time to get going, but he has started to get into his groove. The Nigerian striker scored a brilliant brace in the 3-0 rout of NEROCA FC and looks razor-sharp in the attack.

Ogbeche can be the defining factor in the game because of his finishing ability and predatorial instincts. He’ll aim to bully the Rajasthan United defenders and capitalize on their lack of experience. If he can beat the man-marking trap and get fed in promising areas, the Nizams can walk their way to a comfortable win.

Melroy Assisi (Rajasthan United FC)

Just as the attacking core of Hyderabad FC is their strongest suit, Rajasthan’s strengths lie in their defence. Defender Melroy Assisi has had a real breakthrough campaign, putting in immense performances in the group stages. He bullied ATK Mohun Bagan and Emami East Bengal’s attackers in the group stage.

Melroy’s impressive game-reading ability, tendency to make clutch last-ditch challenges and strong physique has helped him thrive in the Durand Cup. He’ll need to put in another massive performance and maintain a really sturdy defensive line to help his side have any chance of pulling off a surprise result.

Did you know?

• Rajasthan United have qualified for the Durand Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
• None of the Hyderabad FC players have won the Durand Cup in their careers.
• Hyderabad FC had the joint-second best defensive record in the group stages, only conceding two goals in four games.

Telecast

The game between Hyderabad FC and Rajasthan United FC will take place at the Kishore Bharati Stadium, Kolkata on 12 September, 2022. The match starts at 6 PM. The Durand Cup 2022 will broadcast live on the Sports18 network. It will be shown on Sports 18 1 SD & HD as well as Sports 18 Khel (Hindi commentary). It will also be streamed on Voot and Jio TV.