The group stage of the Durand Cup 2025 has delivered high-scoring thrillers, surprise results and a reminder of its status as one of India’s most prestigious football tournaments. Four Indian Super League (ISL) sides — East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC — have progressed to the knockout stage as group winners.
East Bengal FC, last year’s runners-up, stormed through Group A with a perfect record, scoring 12 goals and conceding just once. Their campaign included a 5-0 win over South United FC and a 6-1 victory against the Indian Air Force. Nine different players have scored for Oscar Bruzon’s side, with new signings Hamid Ahadad and Mohammed Rashid making early contributions.
Arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant matched that dominance in Group B, also netting 12 goals in three wins. Forward Liston Colaco has been in red-hot form, scoring in every game and tallying five goals — joint top in the tournament — alongside NorthEast United’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie. MBSG’s standout performance came in a 5-1 win over Diamond Harbour.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC faced a tougher route in Group E but remained unbeaten with two wins and a draw. Ajaraie was the standout, scoring five of their seven goals, including a hat-trick in the opener and a decisive brace against Shillong Lajong FC. His assist in the final group match secured a 2-2 draw with Rangdajied United FC.
Jamshedpur FC also advanced with a flawless record, quietly topping their group without dropping points.
The knockout stage will see the ISL heavyweights attempt to translate their group stage dominance into silverware, with individual stars like Colaco and Ajaraie shaping up as potential match-winners.
