The 122nd edition of the Durand Cup will kick off from September 11 at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi.
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Nine I-League teams are scheduled to take part in the third oldest tournament in the world according to a Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) official.
While the qualifiers will kick off from September 2, the final will be held on September 20. Reigning Champion Mahindra United, runners-up of the last edition of the Durand Cup Churchill Brothers, Army XI, Sporting Clube de Goa, Air India, Dempo SC and JCT, Phagwara will be part of the coveted tournament along with newly promoted Lajong FC.
For the last two years the Calcutta giants Mohun Bagan AC and East Bengal Club weren't the part of the Durand Cup but according to DFTS Secretary General, Major S.S. Maan they will certainly be a part of the tournament this year which is surely encouraging news not only for the DFTS but also for the fans. The two teams from the qualifier will also join to make it a 12 team battle in the quarterfinals.
The tournament will have a shorter version this time in comparison to last year which lasted nearly for a month. Soon after the qualifiers, the main round will kick off from September 11. Twelve teams will be tussling out in the quarterfinals with four groups of three teams each. The winners from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
Qualifying Round One
16 teams play a one off match to determine 8 clubs to reach the second qualifying round.
Qualifying Round Two
8 teams play a one off match to determine 4 clubs to advance to the third qualifying stage.
Qualifying Round Three
4 clubs remain, 2 will advance to the Group Stage