Kerala Blasters announces squad for 2023 Durand Cup

The Blasters, who are in Group ‘C’ with Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala and Indian Air Force, will open their campaign on August 13 with the Kerala Derby against Gokulam.

FILE PHOTO: Kerala Blasters FC team with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic on the sidelines during the ISL football match against Bengaluru FC. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K/ The Hindu

Kerala Blasters on Wednesday announced its team for the ongoing 132nd Durand Cup taking place in West Bengal and Assam.

The Blasters, who are in Group ‘C’ with Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala and Indian Air Force, will open their campaign on August 13 with the Kerala Derby against Gokulam.

Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic has selected a strong unit to participate in Asia’s oldest football tournament.

The Blasters will be playing in a competitive fixture for the first time since the controversial walk out during the knockout stages of the 2023-23 Indian Super League (ISL).

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Lara Sharma, Karanjit Singh, Sachin Suresh, Muhammed Jaseen.

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Prabir Das, Hormipam Ruivah, Marko Leskovic, Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Shaeef, Sandeep Singh, Naocha Singh.

Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Azhar, Saurav Mandal, Bryce Miranda, Nihal Sudeesh, Mohammed Aimen, Yoihenba Meitei.

Forwards: Adrian Luna, Dimitrios Diamantakos, Emmanuel Justine, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Bidyashagar Singh.