Top I-League, ISL clubs set to face-off in Durand Cup

Four of the teams in the tournament will be fielded by the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Gokulam Kerala FC will take part in the 129th edition of Durand Cup to be held in West Bengal from 2nd August onward. Gokulam are among six I-League clubs invited for the tournament. The league-cum-knockout tournament will be held in Kalyani, Silguri and Kolkata in West Bengal and ends on August 24.

Six Indian Super League clubs will also take part in the prestigious tournament organized by Services Sports Control Board. The other four teams in the tournament will be fielded by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Army will have two teams, Army Red and Army Green.  

The teams will be divided into four groups and the clubs that finishes first and second in each group will progress into the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia and was started by the British Army in 1888.

“Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament and there were no second thoughts to participate when we got the invite. Already we are on verge of completing our transfer targets and our preseason will start by July 15. We have high hopes on the squad and we will be aiming for top honors in the historic tournament,” said Gokulam Kerala FC president VC Praveen.

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The Malabarians had a disappointing I-League campaign last time out, finishing ninth in the league table. They ended the season with only three wins and eight draws, managing only 17 points.

It will be a great opportunity for Gokulam Kerala to bounce back and start the new season on a high. The South Indian outfit will face top Indian sides in the Durand Cup, which will only help them improve their side for the new season.  A good showing at the Durand Cup will set the platform for the team in the upcoming league season.