Chennaiyin FC Announces Squad for 133rd Durand Cup

Chennaiyin FC has announced a 22-member squad for the 133rd Durand Cup, running from July 27 to August 31. The squad features a balance of experience and youth, including key players like Vincy Barretto and Bikash Yumnam. The Marina Machans aim to improve on their past performances.

Chennaiyin FC (CFC) has unveiled its 22-member squad for the 133rd edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, set to take place from July 27 to August 31. The Marina Machans will kick off their campaign against the Indian Army on Wednesday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium in Jamshedpur. The lineup includes a mix of senior players and promising reserves, featuring notable names like Vincy Barretto, Bikash Yumnam, and Irfan Yadwad. This balanced roster comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders, and two forwards.

'It's a very good team because it's a mixture of senior team players from the ISL team and also the reserve team players and also the players who have been shortlisted who have got an opportunity to come and represent Chennaiyin FC in the Durand Cup,' said assistant coach Noel Wilson. Chennaiyin FC has been grouped with ISL side Jamshedpur FC, the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles in Group D of the 2024 Durand Cup. All group stage matches will occur at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, with potential advancement to the knockout stage for the top teams.

Following their opening match, the Marina Machans will face Jamshedpur FC on August 4 and conclude their group stage against Assam Rifles on August 11. Having reached the quarter-finals in both 2022 and 2023, Chennaiyin FC is aiming to surpass past performances this year. Assistant coach Wilson emphasized, 'We are going there to win games. We are not going there to take part. We will be united both on and off the field and give our 100 percent.'

The Durand Cup, first played 136 years ago, is the oldest existing football club contest in Asia and the fifth-oldest globally. Organized by the Durand Football Tournament Society and the All India Football Federation, the cup traditionally marks the start of the Indian domestic football season. The 133rd edition, held in 2024, is the third under the Asian Football Confederation. This year, 24 teams, including all 14 from the Indian Super League, will participate alongside invitees from the I-League, state leagues, armed forces, and international teams.

(With inputs from agencies.)