Durand Cup 2025 Group C Preview: Jamshedpur hosts 1 Ladakh FC, Indian Army and Nepal's Tribhuvan Army

All Group C fixtures of the Durand Cup 2025 will be played at the Furnace.

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup is set to return to Jamshedpur, the first planned industrial city of independent India, for the second consecutive year. The Steel City gears up to host six exciting group stage fixtures and a quarter-final match as well.

After an overwhelming response in its inaugural edition at Tatanagar, the Durand Cup is expected to bring the entire Steel City together for a football fervour in the next few days. Tickets have been made free and will be served on first come first-served basis.

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025: Full fixtures, teams, groups & telecast details

The hosts, Jamshedpur FC, are going into this tournament as one of the favourites to lift the Durand Cup. Given their recent form in the ISL and Super Cup, and their recent signings that have bolstered the squad, they look pretty confident to begin the new domestic season on an optimistic note.

Coach Khalid Jamil must also be wary of the threats posed by their opponents. Overall, the squad looks balanced and competitive enough to finish as the Group C toppers and book their berth in the quarter-finals.

Focused on the upcoming challenge 🎯[Jam Ke Khelo, Indian Football, Durand Cup 2025, Jamshedpur, Men Of Steel] pic.twitter.com/lRzHpSIT9e

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) July 18, 2025

1 Ladakh FC’s journey from 11,000 feet above in the Himalayan ranges to playing at the oldest football tournament of Asia is nothing less than an inspiration and a tale to remember for ages. Ladakh’s first professional football club also advocates for climate change awareness and believes in using football as a powerful medium to bring about a positive change in the environment.

The club has played regional tournaments like the Climate Cup. Though it looks like an uphill task for Ladakh to get the better of seasoned veterans in this tournament, they might still bring an element of surprise and will try to make it to the knockout rounds.

Hon’ble CEC Leh flags off Team 1 Ladakh FC as they head for their debut at the Durand Cup. A proud moment for Ladakh and its growing football journey. #1ladakhfc #durandcup #climate #indianfootball pic.twitter.com/YGparJA3UQ

— 1 LADAKH FC (@1LadakhFC) July 9, 2025

Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army would be one of the two foreign teams participating in the competition. They posted a picture at the Kathmandu Airport before being airlifted in an IAF aircraft to participate in the Durand Cup in Jamshedpur, reflecting India’s long-standing friendship with neighbour Nepal. Last season, they played their games in Shillong and finished third in the group stages alongside opponents like Shillong Lajong, FC Goa and Rangdajied United.

“Furthering the spirit of solidarity through #Sports, @NepaliArmyHQ Tribhuvan Army Football team has been airlifted by @IAF_MCC to participate in the 134th edition of @DurandCup2025.@IndiaInNepal wishes them well for a memorable tournament. #IndiaNepalFriendship @MEAIndia… pic.twitter.com/HnSTTva01Q

— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) July 19, 2025

The Indian Army Football team is unarguably one of the strongest military teams in the competition. They were a nightmare for Khalid Jamil in the last edition after they went on to defeat the home team 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the first half. They knocked out Jamshedpur FC to secure the coveted quarter-final spot last season before North East United FC thrashed them in the knockout round. They are expected to be a serious contender for the top spot in Group C.

Players to Watch

Jayesh Rane (Jamshedpur FC)

After the departure of Captain Javi Hernandez, Jayesh Rane will be tasked with the responsibility of taking up the Number 10 position for the Red Miners. With so much experience in Indian football, Jayesh is one of the few players to win the Durand Cup, ISL Trophy and the I-League too.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder from Maharashtra has previously won the Durand Cup with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2022. His versatility, acceleration and experience would be crucial for the Red Miners to score a lot of goals and play an entertaining brand of football at the Furnace.

Altaf (1 Ladakh FC)

Altaf has been one of the brightest talents in the 1 Ladakh FC team. The boy from Ladakh has donned his home team’s jersey in the Climate Cup and KBR Championship.

It will be a great opportunity for young talents like Altaf to showcase their talent among the best teams in the country in the upcoming Durand Cup.

Captain Bharat Khawas (Tribhuvan Army)

The 33-year-old veteran Nepali striker has plied his trade with teams like Nepal Police, Nepal Army Club and the Sporting Ilam De Mechi team before donning the Tribhuvan Army jersey. He has also played for the Nepal national football team in 63 games and scored 10 goals as well.

His finishing skills and his ability to score goals make him an invaluable asset to Tribhuvan Army. Previously, he won the Best Forward Award in the Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League in three editions.

Bhabindra Malla (Indian Army Football Team)

The experienced custodian captained the Indian Army Football Team to the quarter-finals last season. He managed to keep two clean sheets in three games against Chennaiyin FC and Assam Rifles in the last edition.

He has also played for Rajasthan United in the I-League and played the Santosh Trophy with the Services team. The 32-year-old custodian from Meghalaya would be an invincible force between the sticks for the Indian Army football team as they eye yet another quarter-final appearance.

Durand Cup Group C Fixtures

• July 24: Jamshedpur FC vs Tribhuvan Army
• July 29: Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Army
• 2 August: Tribhuvan Army vs 1 Ladakh FC
• 5 August: Indian Army vs Tribhuvan Army
• 8 August: Jamshedpur FC vs 1 Ladakh FC
• 9 August: Indian Army vs 1 Ladakh FC

Where and how to watch Durand Cup 2025?

The 2025 Durand Cup Group C matches will take place from 24 July to 11 August, with Jamshedpur FC and Tribhuvan Army kicking off the tournament in the opener on 24 July.

All the 2025 Durand Cup matches will be shown on Sony Ten Sports and Sony LIV. The Group C matches will all take place in Jamshedpur, India.

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