Gerard Zaragoza’s Bengaluru FC side square up against I-League side Inter Kashi in their second Group Stage clash of the Durand Cup 2024, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata on Saturday. The Blues, who come into the fixture on the back of a resounding 4-0 win against Indian Navy Football Team have positioned themselves on top of Group B and will be eager to solidify that with another strong performance.
“I was pleased with what I saw in our performance against the Indian Navy, but there is still a lot of work to do. We know that consistency is key in tournaments like the Durand Cup, and Inter Kashi will pose a different challenge. They are a team that performed really well in the I-League last year, and I’m sure this will be a tough game. The boys are focused and ready to give their all,” said Gerard Zaragoza.
Inter Kashi, meanwhile, drew their first match against Mohammedan SC and will be looking to turn the tide tomorrow to stay in contention for the knockout stages. The I-League club has had an impressive run since their debut campaign in 2023, and were also grouped with the Blues in the Super Cup earlier this year, during which the fixture ended in a 1-1 draw in Odisha.
It remains to be seen how Zaragoza lines his side up, with strikers Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Sunil Chhetri scoring from the bench. The Argentine struck twice in the second half, while Chhetri’s first action of the fixture came as he slotted home a spot-kick to make it 2-0. Arata Izumi’s Inter Kashi will rely on the services of their summer signing Nikola Stojanovic in attack, alongside winger Edmund Laldrindika – who will look to trouble the Bengaluru FC’s defence.
Kick-off between the Blues and Inter Kashi is scheduled for 7pm on the 3rd of August and will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network.