Durand Cup 2023: Chennaiyin FC looks for quarterfinal spot; Bengaluru to face Indian Air Force

Chennaiyin FC can be aiming to seal its quarterfinal spot within the Durand Cup 2023 when it takes on Tribhuwan Army in a Group E conflict on the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Monday.

A win in opposition to Tribhuwan Army will earn Chennaiyin FC direct qualification into the final eight of the event. Currently, the Marina Machans sit on high of the group desk with three factors after a come-from-behind victory in opposition to Hyderabad FC within the final match the place Jordan Murray scored his first aim for the membership.

Murray feels the staff must proceed with their outstanding efficiency within the forthcoming match in opposition to Tribhuwan Army.

“Considering the fact that coach Owen Coyle came into the team fold just recently, we played very well. I thought we put up a really good performance and showed a true fighting spirit after going a goal down against Hyderabad FC. The team sticking together as a group and the players know what they need to do in the upcoming match,” commented Murray.

He additional added, “We are in a solid position to go into the next round of the tournament. We will put our heads down, play our best game to ensure we get a strong result and qualify for the next round.”

The ongoing 132nd version of the Durand Cup, which is Asia’s oldest soccer competitors, features a whole of 24 groups from the ISL, I-League, and the Armed Forces which have been divided into six teams of 4 groups.

The high staff from every group and the 2 greatest second-placed groups throughout all six teams can be progressing to the quarterfinal.

Owen Coyle, the top coach of CFC, feels the subsequent match will see powerful competitors between each groups and Chennaiyin FC will solely goal for a victory to solidify their high place within the group.

“The boys worked very hard in the last match which was really important. We showed great character and belief in what we are trying to do, it’s very early days as we are trying to build and progress day by day, working hard in the training, and looking to take it into the games and the Durand Cup is the ideal preparation for that,” Owen Coyle commented.

“The upcoming match will be a tough one. I watched them (Tribhuwan Army) against Delhi. They are a fit, dynamic, and strong side. We must try to continue to pass and move the ball and score some good goals. We also know that if we win the game, we’ll already win the group even ahead of the third game. So, that’s a great incentive to make sure that we do our job right,” concluded the Head Coach.

Defending champion Bengaluru up in opposition to Indian Air Force

Bengaluru FC, the defending Durand Cup champion, introduced a 28-member aspect, comprising largely younger gamers and new signings, beneath former under-17 Indian males’s nationwide staff coach, Bibiano Fernandes, to defend its crown.

Bibiano Fernandes, who final held the job of India’s U-17 coach will look to guide BFC to a profitable Durand Cup title defence this time.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The Indian Air Force Football Team, alternatively, is beneath long-time coach Priya Darshan and has a settled core. But it nonetheless got here up quick in opposition to Gokulam Kerala of their first recreation.

For BFC to do nicely, will probably be vital that its new signings like keeper Amrit Gope and central defender Shankar Sampingiraj, each recruited from TRAU FC, cool down nicely as do such expertise as Akash Jha, the younger striker recruited from Sreenidi Deccan.

The Air Men can even hope that in addition to the expertise of getting performed a recreation on the venue already, their seasoned forwards like Mandeep Singh additionally put their arms up and contribute to a primary event win.

Coach Priya Darshan exuded confidence on matchday-eve saying, “The players are excited to play against ISL team and defending champions BFC and well prepared to fight and win the game.”