The quarter-final race at the 135th Durand Cup is entering its final stretch, with five teams already securing their places in the knockout stage and three spots still up for grabs ahead of the final group-stage fixtures on August 13.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Indian Army FT, SC Delhi, FC Raengdai and defending champions NorthEast United FC have all sealed their berths as group winners.
The two best second-placed teams across the six groups will also advance to the quarter-finals, making the final round of matches crucial. East Bengal FC and Samaleswari Sporting currently set the benchmark with six points each, while Langsning FC, Jamshedpur FC, Indian Air Force FT and Bodoland FC remain in contention.
In Group A, Mohun Bagan completed a perfect campaign with nine points, while East Bengal finished second with six points and a strong +12 goal difference.
Indian Army topped Group B with three wins from three, while Samaleswari Sporting finished second on six points. Mohammedan Sporting Club were eliminated after their 2-1 defeat to the Army side.
SC Delhi emerged from Group C with a perfect nine points and an impressive +14 goal difference. Jamshedpur FC and Indian Air Force FT still have one match each to play and remain mathematically alive for a best-runner-up spot.
FC Raengdai have secured top spot in Group D, with TRAU FC, Indian Navy FT and NEROCA FC eliminated from the competition.
Group E remains the only group where the winner is yet to be decided. Shillong Lajong FC lead with six points and will face Langsning FC, who have four points, in a decisive Shillong derby. A draw or win will send Lajong through as group winners, while a Langsning victory would see them finish top.
In Group F, NorthEast United FC marched into the quarter-finals with three wins from three matches. Bodoland FC remain in contention for a runners-up spot but need a substantial victory in their final fixture to improve their points tally and goal difference.
The final group-stage matches on August 13 will determine the remaining three quarter-finalists, with the knockout stage scheduled to begin on August 16.
(Image courtesy : AIR)
