Indian football fans’ hopes of watching the first Kolkata derby of the season were dashed when the Durand Cup 2024 match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium was cancelled a day before the match.

As a result, both teams are likely to pick up a point each, leaving Mohun Bagan at the top and East Bengal in second place in Group A.

With this single point, the Mariners have qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, East Bengal’s path to qualification is not that easy.

What is the format of the qualification?

In this edition of the 2024 Durand Cup, 24 teams were divided into six groups of four teams each. The top teams in each group and the two best runners-up qualified for the last eight.

How can East Bengal qualify for the quarter-finals?

East Bengal have won both matches, scoring six goals, and are currently top of the qualifying table.

But if they get just one point after the abandoned match, the Goas can move into the quarter-finals when FC Goa face Shillong Lajong on August 17 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Scenario 1: FC Goa loses

If the Gaurs lose, they will end up with six points from three games, while East Bengal will have seven points – the extra point from the abandoned derby – and will secure qualification.

Shillong qualifies as leaders of Group F.

Scenario 2: If FC Goa draws

A draw will leave Goa’s goal difference lower than East Bengal’s and the Kolkata-based team will make it to the last eight despite sharing the same number of points as the Red-and-Gold Brigade.

Shillong qualifies as leaders of Group F.

Scenario 3: If FC Goa wins

Goa will then have nine points from three games and will qualify as Group F leaders. Between the second-placed teams, Shillong Lajong and East Bengal, the latter will qualify on goal difference.

Therefore, regardless of what happens in the final group match of the Durand Cup, both teams from Kolkata will be in the knockout rounds.