MSC, Abahani in tough groups

Mohammedan Sporting Club have been drawn in the group of death of the Walton Federation Cup as they found last edition's runners-up Arambagh KS and Independence Cup champions Chittagong Abahani as the other group matches when the draw for the 12-team event was held at the Bangladesh Football Federation headquarters yesterday.

The Black and Whites, who have not featured in the Federation Cup final since 2009, have formed a better squad compared to the last few seasons with the inclusion of experienced players. However, it seems like it will be a tough challenge for them in the season's curtain raiser as two out of three teams from a group will advance to the quarterfinal stage.

Defending champions Abahani have also been handed a comparatively strong draw as they were placed alongside giant-killers Muktijoddha Sangsad and newcomers Saif Sporting Club. Abahani, however, are expected to cross the group stage hurdle  as they are in good rhythm, having been in action for the last two months and, especially after beating Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup match a week ago.

Group B comprises Sheikh Jamal DC, Sheikh Russel KC and Farashgaj SC while Brothers Union, Rahmatganj MFS and Team BJMC have been drawn in Group D.

The tournament, which is a traditional curtain raiser for domestic football, is scheduled to kick off on Saturday even though there are concerns whether the tournament will get underway in time as seven clubs – Mohammedan, Sheikh Jamal, Sheikh Russel, Brothers, Arambagh, Muktijoddha Sangsad and Saif SC -- demanded the game's governing body clear their dues.

“I don't know about their demands but the transaction has always been between the federation and the clubs and it is a continuous process. I don't think it will hamper the tournament,” Professional football league committee chairman Abdus Salam Murshedy said yesterday. “However, we will sit with the clubs to discuss about the demands and we will try to clear their dues.”

Defending champions Abahani are likely to play their first match on the opening day before heading to Maldives to play their away match of the AFC Cup against Mazyia S&RC on May 17. Abahani will also host Muhan Bagan in their last match of the AFC Cup on May 31 in Dhaka.

“The tournament will not be halted due to Abahani's participation in the AFC Cup as we have designed the fixture in a way to avoid clash of international and local fixtures,” said BFF's competition manager Jaber Bin Ansari adding that the final is likely to take place on June 4. 

GROUP A: Abahani, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and Saif Sporting Club

GROUP B: Sheikh Jamal DC, Sheikh Russel KC and Farashganj SC

GROUP C: Chittagong Abahani, Arambagh KS and Mohammedan SC

GROUP D: Brothers Union, Rahmatganj MFS and Team BJMC