Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Kerala Blasters meet home favourites Mohammedan SC

This will be the first time both teams will clash in a competitive fixture.

The quarter-final clash between Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters will be the maiden match between two of the most supported clubs in the country. Topping its group following an unbeaten run in a group consisting of a first-team Bengaluru FC, Mohammedan will start the game as clear favourites. On the other hand, despite fielding its reserve side, Kerala Blasters have put on a spirited performance in the tournament with only a single defeat to their name so far.

The Stakes

Mohammedan SC 

Mohammedan SC would be eager to reach consecutive Durand Cup finals. They finished as the runners-up last year after losing to FC Goa in the summit clash. With skipper Marcus Joseph, Faslurahman Methukayil, and Pritam Singh showing scintillating form throughout, Mohammedan SC will be clear favourites.

With a strong home advantage backed by vocal supporters at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Black Panthers would like to take advantage of a relatively less experienced Kerala Blasters.

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Kerala Blasters

The run of Kerala Blasters FC in the Durand Cup 2022 is nothing short of a fairy tale. Despite fielding their reserve side under the stewardship of U-18 coach Tomasz Tchorz, Kerala Blasters qualified for the quarter-finals without much difficulty. The youngsters displayed good performance throughout and utilised the platform well to put forward their pitch of being included in the senior team. Thus, they would like to continue their dream run and reach the semis.

Team News

Neither Mohammedan SC nor Kerala Blasters have any injury concerns. Both teams are likely to field their preferred playing XI for the quarter-final clash. Mohammedan SC will be looking to go all-out against their opponents by fielding all of their stars. Abiola Dauda is likely to be present on the bench and might come on as a sub.

Head-to-head

Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters have never met in the past. This would be their first meeting in a competitive fixture.

Probable line-ups

Mohammedan SC: Sankar Roy (GK); N’daiye, Sairuatkima, Vanlalzuidika, Ambekar, Abhash Thapa, Nuriddin, Davronov, Pritam Singh, Sk Faiaz; Marcus Joseph, Faslurahman

Kerala Blasters: Sachin (GK); Marvan, Tejas, Basith, Aritra, Azhar, Vibin, Gourav, Aimen, Roshan, Ajsal

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Man to watch

Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan SC) 

Marcus Joseph has been nothing short of a talisman for Mohammedan SC, scoring 20 goals from 24 appearances for the club in the last season. He has already scored once in the Durand Cup this year. The Trinidad man will be looking forward to adding to his goal tally.

Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC)

It has been a dream tournament for the 19-year-old Mohammed Aimen, whose prolific goal-scoring aided Kerala Blasters to reach the quarter-finals. He scored a brace against NorthEast United and scored one of the two goals in the match against Army Green. He would like to continue with his good form and score in the quarter-final against the mighty Kolkata giants.

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Did you know?

• Mohammedan SC won the Durand Cup two times in 1940 and 2013.
• Mohammedan SC had been the runners-up of the tournament four times, in 1959, 1980, 1992, and 2021.
• Kerala Blasters are participating in the Durand Cup for the second time. 
• Kerala Blasters have never won any major national trophy since its inception.

Telecast

The quarter-final match between Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium with a kick-off time of 6 pm IST on 9th September, 2022. The match will be telecasted on Sports18 – Sports18 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel (Hindi commentary). It will also be streamed on Voot and JioTV.

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