Here is all you need to know about the Durand Cup 2023 quarterfinal clash between East Bengal and Punjab FC.
Emami East Bengal will look to continue its new- set up winning instigation in the Kolkata derby as it takes the pitch against Punjab FC in its final group- stage game in the Durand Cup 2023.
The Red- and- Gold Brigade beatarch-rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the first time in four times, with Nandhakumar Sekar scoring the winner at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
“It felt surreal to win the derby in front of our suckers on Saturday. The kind of support we got that day was spectacular and it was one of the high reasons why the boys felt more motivated to give their stylish on the pitch, ” Carles Cuadrat, the head trainer of EBFC told journalists.
East Bengal had started its Durand Cup crusade this time, with a 2- 2 draw against Bangladesh Army Football Team where it allowed two late pretensions to drop points.
In its alternate game, it looked to have contained that tendency, icing a clean distance – the first one for former Kerala Blasters Prabhsukhan Gill at the club.
Before its clash against Punjab, EBFC has also been bolstered with the addition of Cleiton Silva, the club’s loftiest goal scorer last season and Spanish centre- reverse Jose Antonio Pardo.
Habib represented India in numerous transnational events from 1965- 76. He was considered by numerous experts as one of the stylish players the country has ever produced.
He was also a citation quarterfinalist in the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok led by his fellow Hyderabadi Syed Nayeemuddin and managed by the great P.K. Banerjee.
One of the loftiest points of Habib’s career was when he played for Mohun Bagan against the visiting Cosmos Club which also featured the fabulous Pele in 1977 in a ‘ friendly ’.
During numerous exchanges over the times, Habib always took pride in reminding me that it was with great pride that he wore the jersey of Mohammedan Sporting whom he joined in 1971.
For 17 long seasons starting from 1966- 77, Habib, despite his fine nature, was a stalwart walking on the football grounds in Kolkata, according to former India captain and Hyderabadi Victor Amalraj.
Habib was also necessary in shaping the Tata Football Academy into a force to reckon with his sincerity, passion and professionalism. Know More Football News…
