The final matchday of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 Group Stage is here, and the Kolkata derby will decide who makes it through from Group A. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan both have six points from their two games in the tournament, with the Red and Gold side ahead in terms of goals scored.
East Bengal will go through if they can hold on through a draw, but Mohun Bagan SG have to win to qualify for the semifinals. With several important players missing for the Mariners, it will be a difficult task for them, while East Bengal need to dig deep to ensure they avenge the loss from the Durand Cup finals this past summer.
Kolkata derby preview: Time, where to watch and more
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, and will be played at the Kalinga Stadium. Fans can watch the match live on Jio Cinema, with the game televised on Sports 18.
Mohun Bagan’s big loss is in the form of their midfield, with Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh and Deepak Tangri all in Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. On the other hand, East Bengal’s Lalchungnunga and Naorem Mahesh Singh have made the squad, and won’t be playing.
Arsh Shaikh is expected to start in goal for the Mariners, as Vishal Kaith is also in Qatar for the Asian Cup. With so many absentees, one would have assumed Mohun Bagan to struggle a lot. But the depth of their squad is such that they still have a fearsome line-up to field against their age old rivals.
