| Kerala Blasters vs Gokulam Kerala | |
| MATCH INFO | |
MATCH :
| Kerala Blasters vs Gokulam Kerala |
COMPETITION :
| Durand Cup 2023 |
| DATE: | 13-08-2023 |
TIME:
| 02.30 PM IST (UTC +5:30)
01.00 PM UAE |
STADIUM
| Ground |
Kerala Blasters FC is set to inaugurate their 2023-24 season with a showdown against arch-rival Gokulam Kerala in the Durand Cup. The match is scheduled to take place at the Mohun Bagan Ground in Kolkata on Sunday.
Having concluded their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a controversial walkout against Bengaluru FC in the knockouts, Kerala Blasters FC will be aiming to commence a new chapter in this Group C encounter. Notably, the team had last fielded their full-strength lineup, including foreign players, in the ISL.
Under the stewardship of head coach Ivan Vukoamanovic, KBFC has achieved consecutive ISL knockouts qualifications for the first time, showcasing their upward trajectory. The team is hoping that the Serbian coach can guide them to secure their inaugural championship title.
On the flip side, Gokulam Kerala, the victors of the Durand Cup in 2019, enters this match fresh off a 2-0 victory against the Indian Air Force Football Team in their opening fixture.
The intriguing aspect of this clash lies in the fact that these two teams have never crossed paths at the national senior football level. As a result, this game provides a unique opportunity for either side to establish their supremacy as the premier team within the state.
The implications of this contest stretch beyond just a local derby, as both teams are poised to face defending champions Bengaluru FC subsequently. Thus, this match becomes pivotal in not only claiming the derby bragging rights but also in fortifying their aspirations for a berth in the quarterfinals.
All in all, the impending Kerala derby during the Durand Cup promises an exhilarating spectacle, offering fans a captivating display of rivalry and skill.