FC Goa vs Mohammedan Sporting: Durand Cup 2022 Match Preview

FC Goa vs Mohammedan Sporting is the opening fixture as we get a repeat of last year's final defending champions FC Goa clash with local giants Mohammedan Sporting Club in the opening Group A game of the 131^st edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2022.

Time, Location, kick-off:

The match is slated for a 7.00 pm kick-off at Kolkata's hallowed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. 

Telecast: Sports18 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel 

Live-stream: VOOT

FC Goa vs Mohammedan Sporting: Match Preview:

The Goa side is brimming with young talent and Mohammedan Sporting are at full throttle as the first official game of India's newest footballing season gets underway amidst a build-up which saw a Trophy tour of five-cities including Guwahati and Imphal, the two first time host cities. 

The home team gaffer Andrey Chernyshov of Russia reiterated the importance of a win to open the season and also alluded to last year's loss saying, "We all remember that we lost to FC Goa in the last final. Of course, this will give us additional motivation in this match. But we also understand that this is the opening match of the tournament and is an additional excitement. We have lot of new players that we want to see in serious games. Therefore, it is very important for us to start the tournament with a win."

The Gaurs are being managed by Deggie Cardozo in this Durand edition and are also brimming with confidence with a well-trained and young side eager to grasp the opportunity of performing on the big stage. 

They will be led on the field by the likes of Muhammed Nemil who first caught the eye a-la Sunil Chetri, in the previous edition of the Durand with a wonder goal. Phrangki Buam and Ayush Chetri also lend a lot of solidity to the line-up.

Coach Cardozo was as enthused as his team when he said, "We're excited to kickstart our Durand Cup campaign on Tuesday. As we face Mohammedan SC, it will be repeat of last year's final. They may have done their homework but so have we, and our focus is completely on ourselves and what we can do to get a good result." 

He added, "Starting the tournament on a positive note, with a good result is important and that is what we hope to do on Tuesday. That the match will be held in front of fans gives us some extra motivation."

The Black & White brigade on the other hand have retained the nucleus of last year's squad with Trinidadian marksman Marcus Joseph still leading the lines. Players like Milan Singh in midfield and Abhishek Ambekar bring in the experience with the likes of former Lokomotiv Moscow and Tajik national-team recruit Nuriddin Davronov bringing in the likely x-factor.

All in all, it promises to be a competitive game of football on a heavy outfield at best, with rains lashing the City of Joy in the days building up to the game. He who slips best, will slip in with a victory.

Opening Ceremony Info:

The build-up to the game will see a short but elaborate and lively opening ceremony, with bands of the Armed Forces on display as well as a performance by star singers Papon and Rewben Mashangwa, of the tournament theme song.

The ceremony concludes with the playing of the FIFA Theme song and introduction of the Chief Guest and dignitaries with the players and their photos with the teams and the Trophies. 

FC Goa vs Mohammedan Sporting: Ticket Info:

Mohammedan. Sporting Club Gates

15th August, 1pm - 5pm only

16th Aug, 10am-5pm

Durand Cup 2022: Ticket Info:

Kolkata:

VYBK GATE- 4A BOX OFFICE

17^th August onwards , 10 am - 5pm

Apart from this, match tickets for the three home teams in Kolkata will be sold and redeemed from respective clubs and stadiums concerned with the respective matches from Matchday -2

Guwahati ongoing:

12th August onwards 

SAI Box office, Paltan Bazar

10 am - 5pm

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

Gate - 1 Box office

10am - 5pm

Imphal ongoing:

13th August  onwards

Khuman Lampak Stadium

Gate - 1 & Gate - 2 Box Offices

Tentative timing - 8:30 am - 4:00pm (To be confirmed)

Above Box Offices will be operational throughout the Group Stage matches of respective cities.

Ticket prices:

Guwahati - Rs 50, 100, 250

Imphal- Rs 50, 100, 300

Kolkata - Rs 50, 100, (200 only for VYBK)

BOX OFFICE will be dealing with Online redemption and Offline cash Sale