The 2009 Durand Cup was the 122nd edition of the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia.[1] It began on 11 September 2009 and concluded on 22 September. All matches were played at the Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi. Nine I-League teams were scheduled to take part. The qualifiers were held starting on 2 September, with the final on 20 September. Two teams from the qualifier joined to make it a 12 team battle in the quarterfinals.
Participating teams included reigning champions Mahindra United, Churchill Brothers SC, Army XI, Sporting Clube de Goa, Air India FC, Dempo SC, JCT FC and newly promoted Shillong Lajong FC. Mohun Bagan AC and East Bengal FC had not been part of the Durand Cup in previous years, but according to DFTS Secretary General Major S.S. Maan, they were expected to participate.[citation needed] Churchill Brothers defeated Mohun Bagan 3–1 in the final to win the trophy for their second time.[2]
16 teams played a one-off match to determine the 8 clubs to reach the second qualifying round.
8 teams play a one-off match to determine 4 clubs to advance to the third qualifying stage.
4 clubs remain, 2 will advance to the group stage