In Kolkata, a mouth-watering Group B clash for group supremacy sees current B toppers Diamond Harbour FC take on the ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan at 7:00 PM IST.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier at 4:00 PM IST in Kokrajhar, 250 kilometres northeast of Kolkata, Punjab FC meet local side Bodoland FC in a must win Group D battle at the SAI Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The evening fixture at the VYBK Stadium carries immense significance. Diamond Harbour FC, atop Group B on goal difference, have been sensational in their debut Durand Cup campaign, scoring 10 goals in two matches, including an 8-1 demolition of Border Security Force SC that announced their arrival on the national stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Under Spanish coach Kibu Vicu\u00f1a, who famously guided Mohun Bagan to I-League glory in 2020, the Harbours have combined tactical discipline with attacking flair. Brazilian striker Clayton (4 goals) and Slovenian forward Luka Majcen (3 goals) have been the key threats in a side that has risen from the Calcutta Premier Division to the I-League in just three seasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, have matched Diamond Harbour\u2019s perfect record with two wins from two. After a gritty 3-1 win against Mohammedan SC, Jose Molina\u2019s men found their rhythm in a commanding 4-0 victory over BSF. Forward Liston Colaco has already netted four times in the tournament, and the Mariners\u2019 experienced core will look to use their big-match pedigree to overtake the upstarts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Diamond Harbour need only a draw to stay ahead on goal difference and qualify for the quarterfinals as group winner, but Mohun Bagan will be gunning for victory to seize the top spot and outright qualification, instead of waiting for the other results.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the day, Kokrajhar will host a potentially decisive Group D encounter. Punjab FC and Bodoland FC both need victory to keep knockout hopes alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punjab FC, under Greek coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, have built a balanced side blending youthful energy with tactical discipline. Their resilience was on display in their opener when they overturned a deficit against Karbi Anglong Morning Star, winning 2-1, however, they lacked the finishing touch in their last game against ITBP FT and played a 0-0 draw.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier in the day, Kokrajhar will host a potentially decisive Group D encounter. Punjab FC and Bodoland FC both need victory to keep knockout hopes alive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The permutations are tighter, a win for either Punjab FC or Bodoland FC would significantly boost their qualification chances, but a defeat or draw for the Shers could be fatal given ITBP FT\u2019s position and Bodoland\u2019s game in hand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n