Durand Cup 2023: Bengaluru FC begin title defence against Air Force FT

For BFC to do well, it will be important that their new signings like goalkeeper Amrit Gope, central defender Shankar Sampingiraj and young forward Ashish Jha settle down well (Pic: PTI)

Reigning champions Bengaluru FC are set to begin their title defence when they take on Indian Air Force in the Durand Cup 2023 on Monday.

Bengaluru FC have announced a 28-member side, comprising mostly young players and new signings, under developmental coach Bibiano Fernandez, to defend the Durand crown.

For BFC to do well, it will be important that their new signings like goalkeeper Amrit Gope, central defender Shankar Sampingiraj and young forward Ashish Jha settle down well.

While Gope and Shankar were roped in from TRAU FC, Jha played for Sreenidi Deccan before joining the Blues.

Also Read: Durand Cup football tournament to make its way to Shillong and Kokrajhar

The Air Men had begun their campaign with a 0-2 reversal against Gokulam Kerala FC who lead the group C standings with three points.

The only advantage they would have is the experience of playing at the venue of Kishore Bharati Krirangan as they would rely on forward Mandeep Singh to bring their first win.

"The players are excited to play against ISL team and defending champions BFC and well prepared to fight and win the game," coach Priya Darshan said.

Chennaiyin FC to take on Tribhuvan

Former Indian Super League champions will look to put a foot in the quarterfinals when they face Tribhuvan Army FC in a group E match in Guwahati on Monday.

Chennaiyin FC defeated Hyderabad FC 3-1 in their previous match and their British coach Owen Coyale will be assured with the fact that both his foreign frontmen, Australian Jordan Murray and Briton Connor Shields have found goal-scoring form in the win.

TAFC on the other hand gave a good account of themselves against newly promoted I-League side Delhi FC to earn a point from that game as they would look for a first win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

(With agency inputs)