Chennaiyin FC Gears Up for Durand Cup 2024

Chennaiyin FC has unveiled a 22-member squad for the 133rd Durand Cup, blending senior and reserve players. Their campaign commences on July 27 against the Indian Army. Assistant coach Noel Wilson is optimistic about their performance, focusing on unity and determination to surpass past achievements.

Chennaiyin FC (CFC) has revealed a 22-member squad for the 133rd edition of the historic Durand Cup, taking place from July 27 to August 31. The Marina Machans will face the Indian Army on Wednesday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium in Jamshedpur for their opening match.

The squad features a blend of seasoned players and promising reserves, including notable names like Vincy Barretto, Bikash Yumnam, Irfan Yadwad, Samik Mitra, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, and Sachu Siby. This mixture of experience and youth is mirrored in the roster, which comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders, and two forwards, ensuring a balanced team for the tournament.

Assistant coach Noel Wilson, who has joined Owen Coyle's coaching staff ahead of the new season, praised the team's composition. "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," Wilson said. CFC is set to compete in Group D alongside Jamshedpur FC, the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles, with all group stage matches held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.

The Marina Machans will play Jamshedpur FC on August 4 and conclude their group stage against Assam Rifles on August 11. Having reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and 2023, Chennaiyin is aiming to better this record. "We are going there to win games. We are not going there to take part. As a team, we are going to be together, on the field, off the field. There's going to be unity. We are going to go on the field and fight and give our 100 percent," Wilson emphasized.

The Durand Cup, first played 136 years ago, is the oldest existing football club contest in Asia and the fifth-oldest in the world. Hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society and the All India Football Federation, the tournament serves as the curtain-raiser for the Indian domestic football season. The 133rd edition, under the Asian Football Confederation umbrella, features 24 teams, including all 14 Indian Super League teams and invitees from state leagues and armed forces.