Mohun Bagan aims for dominance against Diamond Harbour, while Punjab faces Bodoland in a bid for knockout qualification
The 17th match day of the 134th Durand Cup, held in Kolkata, India, saw a crucial double-header on August 11, 2025. In Group B, Diamond Harbour FC faced off against ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Group D rivals Punjab FC and Bodoland FC squared off.
Group B Clash: Mohun Bagan Super Giant Edges Out Diamond Harbour FC
In the Group B clash, Mohun Bagan Super Giant managed to defeat Diamond Harbour FC. This win allowed Mohun Bagan to seize the top spot in Group B outright and secure direct qualification to the quarterfinals, ending Diamond Harbour’s unbeaten run despite their impressive tournament debut where they scored 10 goals in two matches.
Group D Battle: Bodoland FC Secures a Dramatic Victory Over Punjab FC
In the Group D battle, Bodoland FC achieved a dramatic 1-0 victory over Punjab FC. This result was Bodoland’s second consecutive win in the tournament and marked their best-ever Durand Cup performance. Punjab FC was consequently eliminated from the competition after this heartbreaking defeat.
Implications
Mohun Bagan's victory over Diamond Harbour FC elevated them to group leaders with an undefeated record, confirming their progression to the knockout stage without depending on other results. Bodoland FC's win not only propelled them into a strong position in Group D with two wins but also knocked Punjab FC out of contention, significantly impacting the quarterfinal qualification race in their group.
With these results, the double-header had a decisive impact on the Durand Cup quarterfinal line-up. Mohun Bagan advanced from Group B, while Bodoland FC gained a critical edge in Group D, leaving Punjab FC’s campaign prematurely.
Upcoming Matches
As the competition heats up, Punjab FC is playing a potentially decisive Group D encounter against Bodoland FC in Kokrajhar. A defeat or draw for Punjab FC could be fatal given ITBP FT's position and Bodoland's game in hand.
Meanwhile, Diamond Harbour FC, currently atop Group B on goal difference, will be keen to bounce back when they face ITBP FT. Brazilian striker Clayton and Slovenian forward Luka Majcen have been the key threats for Diamond Harbour FC, while Mohun Bagan has also won both of their matches and has forward Liston Colaco who has already netted four times in the tournament.
The race for the Durand Cup quarterfinals is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with each match carrying significant implications for the teams involved.
The sports news of August 11, 2025, reported on the Group B clash, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Diamond Harbour FC, securing an opinion-worthy win that elevated them to group leaders with an undefeated record. In the same day's events, the Group D battle saw Bodoland FC achieving a dramatic 1-0 victory over Punjab FC, marking a significant milestone in Bodoland's history. This victory, however, resulted in Punjab FC's elimination from the competition, highlighting the impactful nature of sports matches. With upcoming matches promising high stakes and intense competition, the race for the Durand Cup quarterfinals is shaping up to be a riveting sports event.
