Durand Cup final: New boys test former champions

In a match-up of I-League sides five time former champions JCT will be tested by first time finalists Chirag United SC in the final of the 123rd Durand Cup tomorrow night at Delhi's Ambedkar Stadium. The last Bengal vs Punjab final was played in 1993 when East Bengal Club beat Punjab State Electricity Board 1-0 in a close final then.

For the coaches JCT's Parminder Singh and Subrata Bhattacharya of Chirag United a Durand Cup is nothing new, but for most of their players it will be the first experience of a big cup tournament final.

Phagwara's JCT have won their five titles in 1976 (jointly with Border Security Force), 1983, 1987, 1992 and 1996; while being losing finalists on six occasions. The last time they played the final was in 2006 against Dempo SC, which the Goans won 1-0 through a goal from Ranty Martins Soleye in the 74th minute. But over the summer JCT lost a number of their regular players who have left for Goa and Kolkata, so the Punjabis have been forced to rebuild their side with young talents and bringing some of their former players back to the team from across India.

For Chirag United Sports Club a win tomorrow night would give the Kolkata side their biggest trophy ever. The former EverReady Sports Association have come a long long way in the last few years since playing their first big final the 2005 IFA Shield which they lost against Bayern Munich II. Now they are an established I-league club with proper backing by the Chirag Group, still they lack a fan base as in Kolkata nothing else then the big three of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal or Mohammedan Sporting really counts.

But coach Subrata Bhattacharya has been able to mould a team over the last few years, often taking on big club rejects who have been able to resurrect their career at Chirag United or the club has been the first big opening for young talents like Mohammed Rafique this season plus foreign talent like Brazilian striker Josimar.

It looks to be an even final on the cards tomorrow with JCT beating strong contenders Churchill Brothers SC, who were the defending champions, in the semifinals; while Chirag United beat high flying Kolkata rivals East Bengal Club.