Mohammedan SC vs FC Banaras Baghpat, Durand Cup, 2026, Today Match Prediction

Mohammedan SC vs FC Banaras Baghpat Match Prediction & Analysis

Group B action continues as former champions Mohammedan SC take on tournament debutants Baghpat FC. While Mohammedan will be eager to begin their quest to restore past glory, Baghpat have the opportunity to make a memorable first impression on one of Indian football's biggest stages. 

With only the group winners guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds, every point is crucial, making a winning start all the more important for the experienced Mohammedan SC.

 Head-to-head Record: It will be the first meeting between the teams in a competitive competition. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Mohammedan SC Preview

After a disappointing ISL campaign that ended with no wins and relegation, Mohammedan SC will view the 2026 Durand Cup as the ideal platform to reset. Head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo and his squad will be eager to restore confidence ahead of the new domestic season with a strong showing in one of India's oldest tournaments.

The Black Panthers arrive in encouraging form after an unbeaten start to their Calcutta Football League campaign, recording two wins and a draw. Impressively, they achieved those results with an all-Indian squad, with striker Israfil Dewan leading the charge by scoring four goals in three matches.

Mohammedan, who last lifted the Durand Cup in 2013, have failed to progress beyond the group stage in each of the last three editions. This time, however, the draw appears far more favourable. With no ISL side in Group B and two tournament debutants alongside Indian Army FT, the Black Panthers have a genuine opportunity to return to the knockout rounds.

Mohammedan SC Probable starting Lineup

Padam Chettri (GK); Joe Zoherliana, Gaurav Bora, Sajad Parray, Zodingliana Ralte, Amarjit Singh, Jeremy Laldinpuia, Mahitosh Roy, Makan Chote, Fardin Ali Molla, Lalremsanga

FC Banaras Baghpat Preview

Baghpat FC are one of four tournament debutants and arrive with plenty of momentum. The Uttar Pradesh outfit won the 2025-26 I-League 3 title to earn promotion to I-League 2, becoming only the second club from the state to win a national league and the first professional club from Uttar Pradesh to feature in the Durand Cup.

Their title-winning campaign was built on fearless attacking football, as they finished as the competition's highest scorers while suffering just one defeat all season—after already securing the championship. 

Ningombam Engson Singh, the joint top scorer with six goals, and Aimso Chithung combined for 10 of the team's 23 league goals, though Engson Singh is not a part of the side having made a transfer to Bhawanipore FC. 

Remarkably, Baghpat FC were formed only late last year and have already won two of the three competitions they have entered. Under head coach Vivek Singh, they head into the Durand Cup full of belief and determined to prove they belong on the national stage.

Baghpat FC Probable starting Lineup

​Ayan Bhattacharya (GK);  Bunando Singh, Talib Nazir, Rowan James, Sunil Bathala, Subham Chetry, Aimso Chithung, Surchandra Singh, Malemnganba Meitei, Afdal VK, Gaurav Chauhan

MOHAMMEDAN SC vs FC BANARAS BAGHPAT
Winning Prediction

Mohammedan SC head into their Group B opener at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan as favourites against tournament debutants Baghpat FC. While both sides are expected to field predominantly Indian squads, Mohammedan hold the edge with their greater experience and familiarity with the conditions. 

The departure of Baghpat's top scorer, Ningombam Engson Singh, further dents the newcomers' chances, making the Black Panthers the stronger pick to start their campaign with three points.

Mohammedan SC to win (2-0).

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