Top three Mohammedan SC players to look out for in Durand Cup 2024

The Black Panthers are hungry to clinch another Durand Cup title after their I-League triumph.

Mohammedan Sporting won their maiden I-League trophy in the 2023-24 season with one game to go in the season. In doing so, the Kolkata-based club earned a promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) and have the wind in their sails for the upcoming 2024-25 season. 

Although they’ve only just won the league a few months back, Mohammedan SC are raring to go in the Durand Cup. The club fielded a relatively young starting eleven against Arata Izumi’s Inter Kashi and held them to a 1-1 draw. Former Mohammedan player Nikola Stojanovic opened the scoring against them but youngster Alban Koli reduced the arrears.

In light of that performance here are the top three Mohammedan SC players to look for in Durand Cup 2024:

3. Tanmoy Ghosh

Santosh Trophy 2021-22 breakout star Tanmoy Ghosh has finally made it to a stage of prominence with the Black Panthers. The West Bengal captain was originally signed by then I-League winners, Gokulam Kerala, but was limited to only 13 appearances in the following campaign.

Following that he moved to his hometown side Mohammedan SC where he played an equal number of games. However, given his excellent leadership in the middle of the park, Ghosh has been granted the armband for the Durand Cup 2024 team.

If Hakim Ssengendo deems him fit to be a natural leader, he might even be allowed to lead his side in the ISL this season.

2. Soraisam Robinson Singh

FC Goa graduate Soraisam Robinson Singh made a name for himself in the I-League last season, donning TRAU FC’s colors. At only 21 years of age, the Manipuri striker attained a solid four goals and three assists in 19 appearances.

His performances attracted the likes of ISL giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC but the nimble-footed forward chose the Black Panthers over them. Soraisam’s tenacity to perform well in high-pressure situations also makes him a perfect candidate for Mohammedan SC.

Before stepping into the frying pan that the Indian Super League is, Mohammedan want to give the striker a chance in the Durand Cup to test his mettle. Given his immense potential and tenacity, the forward will pose questions to the defences he comes up against in the competition.

1. Ashley Alban Koli 

The 23-year-old left winger was signed to play a part in Mohammedan’s reserve squad. But the promising left-footed attacker rewarded the manager’s faith in him with a peach of a goal for the leveler in their opening fixture of the Durand Cup 2024.

Alban Koli stepped up when it mattered the most as his inswinging free-kick exuded brilliance and left the goalkeeper scrambling in the net. Set-piece conversion at such a stage speaks volumes of the youngster’s technical prowess and fans will hope to see a new breakout star emerge in the remainder of the competition.

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