Defending champion Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) and the runners-up Abahani Limited are in the group of death of the upcoming Federation Cup football when the draw of the tournament was held at Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban on Wednesday.
The traditional rivals, who played in the final of the previous edition of the Federation Cup, were drawn into Group B along with Port City giants Chittagong Abahani Limited and Brothers Union.
No doubt the traditional giants of domestic football, Mohammedan and Abahani Limited, favorites to move into the quarterfinals but will have to cross the hurdle of Chittagong Abahani and the old-foe Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union. However, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Bangladesh Police Football Club were placed in Group A alongside old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society. Premier League Champions Bashundhara Kings, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, and Fortis Football Club Limited have been placed in Group C.
The competition will kick off on December 26 with the participation of ten teams from Bangladesh Premier League football.
The venues of the tournament are Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj, Bir Shreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj, and Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka.
Two matches will be held on the opening day. The tournament will kick off with a Group A match when Bangladesh Police take on Rahmatganj MFS and Bashundhara Kings face Fortis FC of Group C on the opening day.
BFF professional league management committee member Abdur Rahim, BFF member and media committee chairman Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, and BFF general secretary Imran Hossain were present at the draw ceremony.
Groups
Group A: Bangladesh Police FC, Sheikh Jamal DC, and Rahmatganj MFS
Group B: Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Chittagong Abahani Ltd, and Brothers Union Club
Group C: Bashundhara Kings, Sheikh Russel KC, and Fortis FC.
