The first-ever Durand Cup match in Kokrajhar, the third of this edition, is slated for a 2.30 pm kick-off. The match will follow a musical and resplendent opening ceremony infused with local culture and patriotism, all in the august present of Honourable Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh
The Spaniard will join the Mariners ahead of the new season from the Cypriot top division club AC Omonia, where he won the Cypriot Cup twice and the Cypriot Super Cup in 2021.
A colorful and vibrant opening ceremony preceded the game with the presence of Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee as Chief Guest. It was the perfect build-up to the entertainment that was going to unfold thereafter on the football pitch.
The Red and Gold Brigade and the Mariners are once again placed in the same group, just like last year. As always, the Kolkata Giants will be relying on their home support to navigate through this journey. The Kolkata derby holds even greater significance this time, as only four group winner
Williams began his youth career with ECU Joondalup before joining Portsmouth FC in 2010. He began his senior professional career with Fulham FC and was later loaned out to Gillingham, Barnsley and Oxford United.
The centre-forward, who last played for La Liga 2 side FC Cartagena in the 2022-23 season, netted eight goals in 31 appearances in the Spanish second division. Sadiku has plied his trade in several European countries, with Spain and Switzerland being his prime targets.
The Mariners sealed their AFC Cup 2023-24 preliminary round berth after beating Hyderabad FC 3-1 on penalties in the Hero Club Playoffs held in Kerala in May.