Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad battle for place in finale

This encounter will feature three all-time leading goal-scorers of the ISL.

The 2022 Durand Cup has been a huge source of entertainment for football fans in India. It is the oldest football tournament in Asia, one that is witnessing intense competition this year. The 131st edition of the tournament is reaching its conclusion and the upcoming clash between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC is gearing up to be an exciting one.

Reigning Indian Super League champions Hyderabad FC made their way into the semi-final after a professional 3-1 win over I-League side Rajasthan United. They look strong both on paper and also on the pitch. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC have shown immense determination in their journey to the semis and will look to win the upcoming game to secure a berth in the final. 

The hype is increasing with every passing minute for this clash and the fans cannot wait to see these clubs in action against each other. Here is what one can expect from the Hyderabad FC vs Bengaluru FC fixture in the 2022 Durand Cup semi-final.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC have never won the Durand Cup. Despite winning both the I-League and the ISL in the past, this is a milestone the club have not achieved yet. The upcoming game presents a golden opportunity for the Blues to reach the final and get one step closer to winning the tournament. The quarter-final win by a 2-1 scoreline over Odisha FC after extra-time was a moment to savour and it could motivate the players to defeat a high-flying HFC in the semis.

Hyderabad FC won their first-ever domestic title by securing the 2021-22 ISL trophy. The Nizams, under Manolo Marquez, are looking strong favourites to win a maiden Durand Cup title. Winning the oldest tournament in Asia will be a huge achievement for the club. As it stands, the stakes are massive for HFC, who can make further history by reaching their first-ever Durand Cup final and getting one hand on the prestigious trophy.

Head-to-head

Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC have locked horns with each other six times. The Nizams have won twice, meanwhile, the Blues have registered one victory. The other three matches have ended in a draw.

Probable Line-ups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Parag Shrivas, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Roshan Singh, Bruno Ramires, Rohit Kumar, Javi Hernandez, Sunil Chhetri, Roy Krishna

Hyderabad FC: Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Odei Onaindia, Nim Dorjee, Akash Mishra, Borja Herrera, Abdul Rabeeh, Mohammad Yasir, Hitesh Sharma, Lalchungnunga Chhangte, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Javier Siverio

Man to Watch 

Roy Krishna (Bengaluru FC)

Roy Krishna, formerly of ATK Mohun Bagan, joined Bengaluru FC this season and quickly settled well into the side. He was crucial for the Blues in the previous fixture, scoring the last-minute extra-time winner against Odisha FC in a thrilling 2-1 victory. 

Moreover, the Fijian has already registered three goals for the side in the competition. Also, his partnership with Sunil Chhetri can create havoc for any opponent. Hyderabad FC's defence must maintain peak concentration at all times in order to keep the opportunistic striker in check.

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

There is no stopping Bartholomew Ogbeche from scoring on his good day. Even when the striker from Nigeria is having an off-day, he manages to influence games with his experience and finds the back of the net with his expert positioning and exquisite finishing. He is the all-time leading goal-scorer (53) in the ISL and will be a huge threat in the upcoming match as well. 

The 37-year-old scored the opener in a 3-1 win over Rajasthan United in the quarter-final. He has five goals in the 2022 Durand Cup and BFC will be careful not to allow him room to influence the game.

Did you know?

• Hyderabad FC were founded on 27 August 2019.
• Bengaluru FC won the I-League twice in 2013-14 and 2016, while they won the ISL in 2018-19.
• Only two players have more than 50 goals in ISL, Bartholomew Ogbeche (53) and Sunil Chhetri (51). 

Telecast

The 2022 Durand Cup tie between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC will kick off at 6 pm IST at the Salt Lake Stadium. The game will be broadcasted live on the Sports18 network - Sports18 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel (Hindi Commentary). It will also be streamed on the Voot app and Jio TV.