Shillong, August 12 : With the group stage of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup nearing its conclusion, five teams have already secured their places in the quarterfinals, while three berths remain undecided ahead of the final group-stage fixtures on August 13. The knockout rounds are scheduled to begin on August 16.
The five teams that have qualified as group winners are Mohun Bagan Super Giant from Group A, Indian Army FT from Group B, SC Delhi from Group C, FC Raengdai from Group D and NorthEast United FC from Group F.
The remaining three spots include the Group E winner and the two best second-placed teams across the six groups. At present, East Bengal FC and Samaleswari Sporting have set the benchmark for the best runners-up with six points each, while Langsning FC, Jamshedpur FC, Indian Air Force FT and Bodoland FC still have mathematical chances of entering the race.
In Group A, Mohun Bagan Super Giant finished top with a perfect nine points from three matches and a goal difference of +15. East Bengal FC finished second with six points and an impressive +12 goal difference and must now wait to see whether their record is enough to secure one of the two best runner-up slots.
In Group B, Indian Army FT also finished with a perfect nine points to qualify for the quarterfinals. Samaleswari Sporting ended their campaign in second place with six points and a +3 goal difference and remain in contention for a best runner-up berth.
Debutants SC Delhi emerged on top of Group C with nine points and a +14 goal difference. Jamshedpur FC and Indian Air Force FT both have three points with one match remaining, although they would require strong victories to challenge for a runner-up spot.
In Group D, FC Raengdai have already secured their place in the quarterfinals. TRAU FC, Indian Navy FT and NEROCA FC have been eliminated from contention.
The biggest focus, however, will be on Group E, where the final qualification picture will be decided in the Shillong derby between Shillong Lajong FC and Langsning FC.
Shillong Lajong currently lead the group with six points from two matches and a +7 goal difference, while Langsning are on four points with a +5 goal difference. A win or draw for Lajong will secure the group, while a victory for Langsning will take them to seven points and guarantee the group title.
Nongkseh SS&CC and Mumbay FC have already completed their Group E campaigns and have been eliminated.
In Group F, defending champions NorthEast United FC progressed with a perfect nine points and a +10 goal difference. Bodoland FC remain mathematically alive with three points and one match remaining, although they would need a big win to improve their goal difference and challenge for a best runner-up berth.
The final group-stage matches on August 13 will confirm the complete eight-team quarterfinal lineup, with the knockout stage set to begin on August 16.
