Can Alejandro Menendez’s men overcome Gokulam hurdle and book their place in the final of the Durand Cup?
East Bengal take on Gokulam Kerala FC in the first semifinal of the Durand Cup 2019 at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.
| Game | East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala |
| Date | Wednesday, August 21 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST (GMT +5:30) |
TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the Durand Cup. The games will be telecast on television as well as digital platforms.
| India (English) TV channel | Online streams |
|---|---|
| Star Sports 3/ Star Sports 1 Bangla | Hotstar |
TEAM NEWS
EAST BENGAL:
Key Players: Jaime Santos Colado, Borja Gomez, Bidyasagar Singh
GOKULAM KERALA FC:
Key Players: Marcus Joseph, Henry Kisekka, Bruno Pelissari.
GAME PREVIEW
The Two most impressive teams of the Durand Cup, East Bengal and Gokulam Kerala FC, lock horns in the first semifinal on Wednesday.
These two clubs have managed to score the most number of goals during the league stage. While East Bengal have scored 10 times in three matches, Gokulam have scored 11 goals. Both the teams have conceded just one goal each.
The Red and Golds began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Army XI. In the second game, they simply outclassed the reserve side of Jamshedpur FC 6-0. Their first real test of the tournament came in their final league game where they faced a young and energetic Bengaluru FC.
The Bengaluru colts fought toe to toe against the Kolkata giants and had even taken the lead in the first half. But Alejandro Menendez’s side came back strongly after the break to seal the fate of the game.
The biggest positive of this East Bengal side in the Durand Cup is the performance of young striker Bidyasagar Singh. The East Bengal academy graduate has scored five goals in three games and is competing for the golden boot.
Menendez’ task will not be easy in the semifinal as they are up against a red-hot Gokulam Kerala. Their Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph has scored eight goals in the league stage and is favourite to win the top scorer’s prize.
Joseph had scored hat-tricks in the last two matches and a brace in their tournament opener. He is being ably partnered by former Mohun Bagan striker Henry Kisekka.
Gokulam have recruited former Chennaiyin FC midfielder Bruno Pelisarri. While the Brazilian did not start any of the league matches reportedly due to lack of match fitness, he is all set to take the field against East Bengal.
Santiago Varela’s men have their eyes set on the prize and are set to pose a tough test for the Kolkata giants.
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