The 2023-24 season is set to begin with a fresh start and Durand Cup acting as a season-opener. Let’s see the analysis of the Group C for the Durand Cup.
Durand Cup 2023 – Introduction
Durand Cup, the Asia’s oldest football tournament is all set to return for its 132nd edition come August 3. The 2023-24 football season is expected to be one of the most competitive seasons ever in the history of Indian Football. The tournament will consist of six groups of four teams each, including two foreign teams this year, i.e., Bangladesh Army and Tribhuvan Army from Nepal. Now, we take a look at what to expect from Group C of the Durand Cup.
Group C analysis of the Durand Cup
Group C consists of defending champions Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Gokulam Kerala FC and Indian Air Force.
Strengths
Bengaluru FC is the strongest team in Group C. Though they have let go of Jhingan, Udanta, Prabir, Roy Krishna and some players, they have signed Slavko Damjanovic, Narzary, Rohit Danu and others. We should expect them to go all out with their main team to retain the trophy.
On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala will be keen to begin a new chapter on a good note under their new manager Domingo Oramas. Gokulam’s strength will be their frontline who were at the top of their game last season. The Malabarians have also retained their core team that will prove to be advantage for them in the Durand Cup.
The Blasters do look a bit inferior on paper because of a lot of key departures but they have strengthened their backline with the arrivals of Prabir Das and Pritam Kotal.
The Indian Air Force team is affiliated with Football Delhi. The team regularly participates in Delhi Premier League and Durand Cup.
Weaknesses
Gokulam Kerala’s biggest test will be how quickly they can they adapt to their manager’s system. Domingo Oramas is the only head coach in the group who will make his debut in Indian Football. It will be a big challenge to them after a trophy-less season.
Bengaluru FC have let go of their defensive leader Sandesh Jhingan which will be a matter a concern for the Blues.
Kerala Blasters are the most vulnerable after they let go of their poster boy Sahal Abdul Samad, golden-glove winner Prabhsukhan Gill, Harmanjot Khabra and Victor Mongil. Moreover, their new striker Jaushua Sotirio suffered an injury during the practice session have made things worse.
Team to Qualify
After the pros and cons, Bengaluru FC are the favourites to go through the group stage from Group C. Bengaluru are the defending champions which proves to be added addition to them.
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