A chance for youngsters to impress

The Durand Cup has been a breeding ground for new talent and many of India’s finest footballers have made a name for themselves with exploits in this competition. In recent years, teams have used the Durand Cup to test their best budding talents ahead of the league season and the youngsters have taken their chances with both hands, as per the Indian Super League (ISL). Super Cup champions Odisha FC are the standout name in Group F. Since that win in April, the Kalinga Warriors have undergone a revamp with Sergio Lobera taking over as the team’s head coach. The Bhubaneswar-based outfit have brought in big name signings like Roy Krishna, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, and Lenny Rodrigues. However, the club have announced that they will be sending their reserves team for the Durand Cup and giving Lobera a chance to look at some of the younger players who he would want to include in the senior squad for the Indian Super League season. They will face home side Bodoland FC in the group. Formed in 2022, it is the youngest club in the Durand Cup but will have home advantage at the SAI stadium in Kokrajhar where Group F matches will be played out. Sanju Pradhan, a former ISL player is part of the squad alongside former East Bengal striker Ansumana Kromah. Indian Army FT will be the third team in the Group. Regulars in the Durand Cup, the Services outfit won the competition in 2005 and will look to bring their experience into play. Rajasthan United FC complete the group. The I-League side reached the quarter-finals last season edging out Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC from the group before losing to Hyderabad FC in the last eight stage.