MSC meet Rahmatganj in Fed Cup opener today
Monday, 16 February 2015
Dhaka Mohammedan SC will face Rahmatganj MFS in the opening match of the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the 27th Federation Cup Football Tournament, today (Monday) at 4:00 pm at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city, reports UNB.
Holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will play Feni Soccer Club in the other opening day's fixture at 6:15 pm at the same venue.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader will inaugurate the meet as chief guest.
A total of 12 teams - all the eleven teams of the Premier Division Football League along with Uttar Baridhara Club of Bangladesh Championship League -split into four groups, are taking part in the first phase on February 16-22.
Earlier, Thursday (Feb 12), the groupings and fixture of the tournament were finalised at a function at the BFF House.
BFF Senior Vice-President and Chairman of the Professional Football League Committee Abdus Salam Murshedy was the chief guest at the day's pre-tournament press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) house Sunday afternoon.
Deputy Chairman of the Professional Football League Committee Abdur Rahim, BFF General Secretary Abu Nayeem Sohag,and captains and managers of the participating teams also spoke on the occasion.
At the pre-match press conference Sunday afternoon, skipper of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Nasiruddin Chowdhury said they are ready to defend the title.
Captain of Soccer Club, Feni, Akbar Hossian Ridon said they have nothing to lose and will take the field with full of confidence to display a good show.
Captain of Dhaka Mohammedan SC Arup Kumar Baidya pinned his hope upon the youngsters and vowed to fight for the title.
Captain of Rahmatganj MFS Zahidul Hasan Dalim said they want to revive the "tag of giant killers" with some good performances.
Rates of tickets for the meet have been fixed at Tk 30 for the galleries while Tk 80 for the VIP stands.
Participating teams:
Group A -Sheikh Jamal DC, Team BJMC and Soccer Club, Feni
Group B - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, Sheikh Russel KC and Uttar Baridhara
Group C- Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Chittagong Abahani Ltd and Farashganj SC
Group D- Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Brothers Union Club and Rahmatganj MFS
After the initial phase, two top teams from each of the four groups will play in the quarterfinals from February 24-27. The two semifinals will be held on March 1 and 2 while the final match is scheduled for March 5.
The champion team will receive Tk 500,000 while the runners-up will get Tk 300,000 as prize money. Besides, all the participating teams will get appearance money of Tk 100,000 each.
Fixtures of first round:
Feb 17: Dhaka Abahani vs Farashganj SC (4:00 pm)
Muktijoddha SKC vs Uttar Baridhara (6:15 pm)
Feb 18: Brothers Union vs Rahmatganj MFS (4:00 pm)
Team BJMC vs Soccer Club, Feni (6:15 pm)
Feb 19: Ctg Abahnai vs Farashganj SC (4:00 pm)
Sheikh Russel KC vs Uttar Baridhara (6:15 pm)
Feb 20: Sheikh Jamal vs Team BJMC (4:00 pm)
Mohammedan SC vs Brothers Union (6:15 pm)
Feb 22: Muktijoddha SKC vs Sheikh Russel (4:00 pm)
Dhaka Ahabani vs Chittagong Abahani (6:15 pm).