Kolkata, August 20, 2019: Mohun Bagan soared through the Durand Cup group stage with an all win record. To reach their first Durand Cup final since 2009, the Mariners will have to cross the considerable hurdle posed by Real Kashmir FC.

The Green & Maroon ended their Durand Cup group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Indian Navy. Although Mohun Bagan’s only game came from the spot via Fran Gonzalez, the Mariners dominated proceedings in the wider pitch of Salt Lake Stadium. Midfield maestro Joseba Beitia was out injured against Indian Navy but has regained fitness and is likely to play in Durand semi-final.

Mariners underwent a two hour training session under the watchful eyes of Kibu Vicuna on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters before the semi-final coach Vicuna said about his opponents, “They are a very good team. They scored five goals and didn’t receive any goals in this tournament. Also they finished in 3rd position in I-League last season. Also they didn’t change many players so you can say they are a consolidated team. So, it is going to be a very tough match for us”.

In last two seasons Real Kashmir FC and their coach David Robertson have created a reputation for themselves by playing tactically smart and enterprising football. The Kashmir footballers kept their focus despite off field problems in their home state and navigated through a tricky group without losing a match. The Snow Leopards began their campaign with a victory over I-League champions Chennai City FC thanks to a late goal from Danish Farooq. In their second match they thrashed Army Green 4-0 with goals from ex Mohun Bagan players Chesterpaul Lyngdoh and Subhash Singh. Facing FC Goa Development team in a match to decide the group winner, Real Kashmir eked out a 0-0 draw, ensuring a place in the last four.

In an interview Robertson discussed how his team had struggled to undergo pre-season training and were actually using Durand Cup as a pre-season tournament. He further added that his team was yet to reach their full potential in terms of tactics or fitness. After Durand Cup Real Kashmir will be off to Mumbai for two weeks of training before returning to their base.

Last season Mohun Bagan and Real Kashmir won each of their I-League fixtures away from home. In Srinagar Dipanda Dicka scored the only goal to decide a closely contested match. In the return leg in Kolkata Sony Norde from a free kick but Mariners were undone by two goals from Mason Robertson.

Mohun Bagan face Real Kashmir FC in second Durand Cup semi final on 21st August at the Salt Lake Stadium.