Kolkata
The much-anticipated Group A Durand Cup match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC has been canceled. Scheduled for August 18 at 7:00 PM at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, the game will not take place.
The Durand Cup organizing committee announced the decision in a statement, expressing regret over the abandonment of the match. Mohun Bagan leads Group A with 6 points from 2 wins and a goal difference of 7. East Bengal also has 6 points but a lower goal difference of 4. Ticket refunds will start on August 19. Fans should return their purchased tickets to the original box office for a refund, it was said.
In other Durand Cup news, NorthEast United defeated Odisha FC 5-1 at SAI Stadium on Friday, advancing to the knockout stage from Group E. Jithin MS scored twice, while Guillermo Fernandez and Thoi Singh added goals, with an own goal by Tankadhar Bag completing the tally. Paogoumang Singson scored the sole goal for Odisha FC. NorthEast United topped Group E with 9 points, while Odisha FC ended their campaign with 3 points.
NorthEast United’s manager, Juan Pedro Benali, fielded a strong lineup, with Mirshad M.K. starting as goalkeeper for the third consecutive match. Jithin MS’s quick goals in the first half secured the win for his team.
