The 134th edition of the Durand Cup is heading into its knockout phase, and debutants Diamond Harbour FC are set for a intensified clash against Group C toppers Jamshedpur FC on Sunday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
Diamond Harbour FC’s first season in the tournament has been impressive. Playing in Group B, they took two wins from three matches and scored a total of 11 goals. That goal difference proved crucial, they qualify for the quarter-finals as the second-best team from all six groups.
Their opponents, Jamshedpur FC, come into the match in top form. Under coach Khalid Jamil, they won all three of their Group C matches to reach the quarter-finals directly. However, they will now be led by interim head coach Steven Dias, as Jamil has joined the Indian National Team.
For Diamond Harbour, strikers Luka Majcen and Clayton Silva have been among the top scorers in the tournament, sitting third and fourth on the list with four goals each. But Clayton will miss this match due to injury, which will bring changes in the attacking third, and Majcen will now have to lead the attack in the knockout.
In their last group-stage outing, Diamond Harbour FC suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat. When asked about the team’s defensive issues, head coach Kibu Vicuna admitted, “Yes, I agree that we need to improve defensively, but it’s not just about the backline, it’s about defending as a team.”
He also urged not to judge his side solely on that performance, reminding that they have already scored 11 goals in the tournament he said, now their focus is on the quarter-final and want to take the next step and reach the semi-final.
This quarter-final promises to be an interesting battle, Jamshedpur FC’s solid style and winning streak against Diamond Harbour’s attacking mindset. With a semi-final spot on the line, both teams will give it everything on Sunday evening.
Diamond Harbour FC Coache’s View:
We have to show our best version! Kibu Vicuna ahead of the quarter-final.
“We are playing against another ISL team and we have to play. We have to show our best version. We want to get a good result. They were winning the three games and it’s going to be very difficult for us. But we have confidence that we are going to play a good game and we can get a good result there.”
Debutants Diamond Harbour FC eye a famous win while unbeaten Jamshedpur look to keep their perfect run alive in the 134th edition.
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