Durand Cup 2025 Group B Preview: Kolkata Derby headlines group stage

Mohun Bagan SG, Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC and BSF FT are grouped together

The 2025 Durand Cup is set to be a fascinating edition, which will see a healthy mix of teams from many different levels in Indian football. However, Group B is arguably the most competitive one in the tournament, as it features two different Indian Super League (ISL) sides in the same group. It’s the only group to have two teams from the top divisions, which should result in a fascinating set of encounters.

The Durand Cup competition rules state that the team that finishes the group stages in first position will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. However, the runners-up might be able to qualify if they are among the top-2 best-ranked second-place teams at the end of the group stages.

Mohun Bagan are the dominant force of Group B, as they come into the tournament at the back of a highly memorable 2024-25 season. The Mariners dominated their opponents in the 2024-25 Indian Super League, not only winning the league shield, but also clinching the ISL cup to do the ISL double. The Mariners have won the Durand Cup 17 times, including the 2023 edition and are one of the favorites for the 2025 edition as well.

Mohammedan Sporting are the second ISL side to be involved in Group B of the upcoming Durand Cup. The Black Panthers had a disappointing outing in the 2024-25 ISL, finishing the league stages in 13th (last) position with just 13 points from 24 games. However, the Kolkata giants have won the Durand Cup twice in their history and aim to make it lucky number three in the upcoming edition.

Diamond Harbour FC was only created in 2023, but have been making waves in the Indian football scene over the last few years. They currently play in the I-League, after having won the 2024-25 I-League Two title by winning 11 of their 16 matches. In fact, Diamond Harmour FC were undefeated in their I-League Two winning campaign and look to make a significant impact by proving their quality in this tough Durand Cup group.

The Border Security Force SC represent the Indian Armed Forces in Group B of the 2025 Durand Cup tournament. The BSF team has actually won the Punjab State Super Football League title five times in their history and the Durand Cup on seven occasions! They last won the Durand Cup in 1988 and will need to pull off the ultimate underdog story to win Group B and go onto lift the title.

Players to Watch

Suhail Bhat (Mohun Bagan)

Mohun Bagan are likely to field a reserves team for the Durand Cup. But if their performance at the 2025 Super Cup is any proof, the Mariners’ reserves are strong enough to give any team a tough fight in the Durand Cup. Suhail Bhat is likely to play for them in the Durand Cup and he will treat this tournament as an ideal platform to gain his match sharpness and goalscoring momentum for the 2024-25 season.

The 20-year-old forward scored two goals in three Durand Cup matches in 2024, including against Punjab FC and Downtown Heroes. He will look to take the tournament by storm by being a menacing figure for defenders with his clever movement and use his ruthless finishing to fight for the golden boot award.

Makan Chothe (Mohammedan Sporting)

Makan Chothe had a decent outing for Mohammedan Sporting in the 2024-25 ISL, producing some exciting performances with his unpredictable nature in the wide areas. The 25-year-old winger is blessed with impressive pace and dribbling ability, allowing him to dance past defenders at will.

He might have only had two goal contributions in the 2024-25 ISL, but Chothe will look to showcase his qualities in a better way at the upcoming Durand Cup. He’ll look to trouble defenders with his movement, but will need to be much more accurate with his final passes and efficient with his shooting to earn a key role in the Black Panthers’ squad.

Girik Khosla (Diamond Harbour FC)

Girik Khosla played a crucial role in helping Diamond Harbour win the 2024-25 I-League 2 title with his vital contribution in key games. He scored five goals for them in the league, being the Kolkata side’s highest goalscorer as well. The 30-year-old midfielder has plenty of experience under his belt, having played for the likes of Minerva Punjab FC and Real Kashmir in the past.

He will look to light up the Durand Cup campaign for Diamond Harbour by being a hard-working and efficient figure. Khosla will need to be sharp with his forward passes and smart with his movement to get at the end of chances and finish them off clinically.

Gopal Hembrom (Border Security Force FC)

Gopal Hembrom was a decent performer for the BSF FC side in the 2024 Durand Cup campaign. He featured in two of their games, proving his versatility by covering a lot of ground and doing his defensive work diligently.

The 20-year-old will need to be efficient with his work, be sturdy with his defensive contribution and also clinical with his final product to help his side pop a surprise in the tournament.

Durand Cup Group B Fixtures

July 28: Mohammedan SC vs Diamond Harbour

July 31: Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan Sporting

1 August: Diamond Harbour vs Border Security Force

4 August: Mohun Bagan vs Border Security Force

7 August: Border Security Force vs Mohammedan Sporting

9 August: Diamond Harbour vs Mohun Bagan

Where and how to watch Durand Cup 2025?

The 2025 Durand Cup Group B matches will take place from 28 July to 9 August, with Mohammedan Sporting and Diamond Harbour FC kicking off the tournament in the opener on 28 July. All the 2025 Durand Cup matches will be shown on Sony Ten Sports and Sony LIV. The Group A matches will all take place in Kolkata, India.

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