Match cancelled amid protests in Kolkata
In a major disappointment for football fans, the organisers of the Durand Cup 2024 cancelled the Mohun Bagan Super Giants vs Emami East Bengal match in Kolkata on Saturday, August 17. Due to the ongoing protests in Kolkata, the organisers also cancelled the football derby scheduled to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. Both teams were awarded one point each, helping defending champions Mohun Bagan make it to the quarter-finals. East Bengal also survives for the knockout round as one of the two best second-placed teams in the group stage. Touted as the biggest football derby in India, the match was expected to draw a huge crowd to the stadium.
what is the whole matter
The organisers have decided to cancel the match in view of the ongoing protests due to the shocking rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The medical staff is angry over the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Protests are being held on this issue not only in Kolkata but in many colleges across the country. The cancellation of this match helped Mohun Bagan to top Group A and qualify for the quarter-finals with one point. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are undefeated with two wins in their respective opening two matches. Meanwhile, the organisers are reportedly considering shifting the remaining matches in Kolkata to the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.
Mohun Bagan confirmed their place in the quarter finals
With one point, 17-time Durand Cup champions Mohun Bagan booked their place in the quarter-finals as Group A leaders. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are unbeaten with two wins from their respective opening two matches, but East Bengal top the table due to a better goal difference. The group leaders from each of the six groups will enter the quarter-final round, while two slots will be filled by the two best second-placed teams. East Bengal and Punjab Football Club are currently leading those two qualification slots with seven points each. FC Goa, with six points, will take on Shillong Lajong in the final match of Group F and a possible draw or win will help them overtake East Bengal in the race for the quarter-finals.
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