The Durand Cup 2025 will feature the clash of two West Bengal teams on Monday. Mohammedan Sporting Club, who were recently promoted to the ISL, will take on debutants Diamond Harbour FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in a Group B clash. Interestingly, the group also features Mohun Bagan Super Giant, another team from West Bengal. Today's match is crucial for both teams ahead of the fixture against the mighty MBSG, and they are likely to go all guns blazing to register a win.
Following their opener against Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC is scheduled to take on BSF FT — the fourth team — before taking on the Mariners in their final group game. While MBSG and Mohammedan SC are familiar names in the Indian football circuit, Diamond Harbour FC may not ring a bell to most outside West Bengal. Here are five things to know about the debutants ahead of their Durand Cup clash on Monday:
1. The name that comes to mind while speaking about Diamond Harbour is that of Abhishek Banerjee — the Trinamool Congress leader who is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Abhishek represents the Diamond Harbour constituency in the Lok Sabha. Interestingly, he owns Diamond Harbour FC along with Diamond Harbour Sports Pvt. Ltd.
2. Diamond Harbour FC started their footballing journey by contesting in the Calcutta Football League. They were approved by the Indian Football Association (IFA) in 2022 to participate in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) First Division. They also participated in the Sikkim Gold Cup 2024, reports showed.
3. The Naihati Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 25,000, is the club's home ground. Their primary colours are navy blue, red, and white — chosen to reflect the maritime heritage of the Diamond Harbour region.
4. Diamond Harbour FC are no pushovers. They managed to earn quick promotions through the lower tiers of Indian football to qualify for the I-League. They won the I-League 2 last season to secure promotion to the I-League for the 2025-26 campaign. They had won the I-League 3 title as well — incredible for a club that was established only in 2022.
5. Coached by former Kerala Blasters FC head coach Kibu Vicuña, the side features several players with ISL experience, including Jobby Justin, Mirshad Michu and Melroy Assisi.