Shillong, Jul 13: Shillong Lajong FC will begin their campaign in the Durand Cup 2024 against Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC on 2nd August at the JN Stadium here.
All six Group F matches will be played in Shillong, a new host for the tournament. The opening match will also mark the reopening of the JN Stadium, which has undergone extensive improvements. The other clubs in the group are Indian Super League sides FC Goa and Hyderabad FC.
The opening fixture of the tournament will be held on 27th July between defending champions Mohun Bagan and Downtown Heroes FC.
The 133rd edition shall see 24 teams from the ISL, I-League, Indian Army as well as two international teams representing the Bangladesh and Nepal armed forces.
Lajong, one of the I-League clubs participated last year but exited at the group stage with two defeats and one win.
The tournament will follow a round-robin league format with knockout stages, culminating in the finals at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. In total, 43 matches will be played and the top teams from each group, along with the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the knockout phase.
Group F fixtures (to be held at the JN Stadium, Shillong):
2nd August – Shillong Lajong FC vs Tribhuvan Army FC, 4PM
5th August – FC Goa vs Hyderabad FC, 7PM
8th August – FC Goa vs Tribhuvan Army FC, 7PM
10th August – Shillong Lajong FC vs Hyderabad FC, 4PM
13th August – Hyderabad FC vs Tribhuvan Army FC, 7PM
17th August – FC Goa vs Shillong Lajong FC, 7PM
(Representative photo)