After a tough loss against Chennaiyin FC that all but ended their chances of qualification, Hyderabad FC are up against Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army side in what will be the final Group E game of the Durand Cup this season, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, in Guwahati, on Tuesday.

HFC drew with Delhi in the first round of the competition and are yet to taste victory in this edition of the Durand Cup. They take on a Tribhuvan Army side that put up a decent show in both their group-stage games so far this tournament.

“TAFC have been very committed in the competition so far this season,” said HFC First Team Coach Conor Nestor, ahead of his side’s clash on Tuesday. “Each one of their games has both been physical and competitive so we expect a tough test in this game,” he added.

Hyderabad have Ramhlunchhunga and Chinglensana Konsham on the scoresheet so far in the first two games this season. But there have been some impressive performances, some on debut, that have been the story of the Durand Cup so far, for HFC.

“It has been a bit bittersweet for us so far,” said Conor. We haven’t been able to put our best foot forward but on the other hand, we have seen four debuts and some promise from the next-gen at the club,” he added.

Hyderabad FC will hope to put in a strong performance in what will be their first-ever match against a foreign opponent, and end their Durand Cup season on a high, ahead of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign.

Bengaluru FC look to register first win against Gokulam Kerala FC

After two draws in the group stage, Bengaluru FC's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals have been dashed.

They will now aim to finish their Durand Cup 2023 campaign on a positive note when they take on I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Gokulam Kerala FC has already displayed their strength, and the Malabarians are in red-hot form, having secured qualification as the group topper with one match to spare. After a 2-0 win against the Indian Air Force in the opening fixture, Gokulam Kerala secured another hard-fought victory in the following game when they overcame Kerala Blasters FC 4-3 in the Kerala Derby.

GKFC now aim to carry their momentum and doesn’t want to lose focus before their quarter-final fixture.

Bengaluru FC, who have fielded their reserve side in the Durand Cup, have put on a spirited performance so far as they secured comeback draws in both fixtures. BFC Reserves' head coach Bibiano Fernandes acknowledges the strength of the opposition but is also hopeful of finishing the campaign on a positive note.

“Gokulam Kerala FC are one of the best teams in the country and we are looking forward to this challenge. The boys gave a good account of themselves in the last game, and we are keen on finishing the group stages with a positive performance,” Fernandes said in the pre-match press conference.

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