Kochi – July 31, 2024 – As the rigorous and rewarding first leg of the preseason in Thailand comes to an end, Kerala Blasters FC is set to embark on the next exciting chapter of their journey by competing in the prestigious 133rd Durand Cup in Kolkata.
The Blasters, who are grouped alongside the CISF Protectors FT, Punjab FC & Mumbai City FC, will kick-off their Durand Cup campaign on August 1st against Mumbai City FC. This is followed by games on August 4th vs Punjab FC and on August 10th vs CISF Protectors FT.
Under new head coach Mikael Stahre, there has been a focused approach on building up the right mentality & intensity in training sessions and matches. Fans would have been happy to see forward Kwame Peprah back amongst the goals as he looks to make a strong comeback from his injury last season. With 8 goals scored in three matches, there were plenty of ‘firsts’ in goal contributions as Pandita, Amawia, Saheef, Yoheinba, all got on the scoresheet. In the three games played in Thailand, the team achieved the following results:
- KBFC vs. Pattaya United: 1 – 2
- KBFC vs. Samut Prakan City FC: 3 – 1
- KBFC vs. Ratchaburi FC: 4 – 1
Despite starting with a loss, there have been clear signs of improvement. With new coaching principles, technicalities and tactics being introduced to the squad, Coach Mikael will be happy to have concluded the first leg with a dominant win against Thai top-division side Ratchaburi FC.
Meanwhile, Forward Jaushua Sotirio and midfielder Vibin Mohanan, both of whom suffered minor knocks in Thailand, are under rehabilitation with the team. Defender Prabir Das also returned home prematurely due to personal reasons. Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, who has been undergoing individual rehabilitation in Kochi, has now rejoined the team in Kolkata. Newly signed defender Alexandre Coeff will join his new teammates next week in Kolkata
The Durand Cup squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar, Mohammed Arbaz
Defenders: Milos Drincic,Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Alexandre Coeff, Aiban Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Naocha Singh
Midfielders: Mohammed Azhar, , Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Yoihenba Meitei, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Saurav Mandal, Bryce Miranda, Adrian Luna, Rentlei Lalthanmawia
Forwards: Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Ishan Pandita, , Sreekuttan MS, Muhammed Ajsal, Mohammed Aimen
With the Durand Cup on the horizon, there will be plenty of excitement to see the team back in competitive action. Forward Noah Sadaoui will look to carry forward his form from last season’s Durand Cup where he finished as joint-highest goalscorer with 6 goals. Head coach Stahre will also be hoping the players align with his philosophy and secure results in his first assignment with the team, aiming to challenge for the title.
In light of the recent natural calamity and tragic loss of life in Wayanad, Kerala Blasters players will wear black armbands during their opening group fixture of The Durand Cup 2024. This gesture is to express our deepest solidarity and condolences to those affected during this difficult time.
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