Unprepared Mohammedan face Kings challenge

In a repeat of last season's clash, Federation Cup champions Bashundhara Kings and Bangladesh Premier League holders Mohammedan SC face off today in the Challenge Cup -- the season's curtain-raiser -- at Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium.

The venue and a few fresh faces are the only changes from last season, when Kings came from behind to beat Mohammedan 3-1 in a match that was halted for 10 minutes after flares were thrown onto the Bashundhara Kings Arena pitch.

Stacked with 16 current or discarded national team players and boosted by strong preparation, Kings remain the favourites against Mohammedan, who have had less than an ideal preparation.

"This is not really preparation; rather, I want to treat this match as preparation for the league. Still, we will fight for the title," said Mohammedan coach Alfaz Ahmed.

However, Mohammedan captain Mehedi Hasan, who joined the camp late after returning from a FIFA friendly in Nepal, remained upbeat. "If everyone takes extra responsibility in the final, we can win. Confidence and mental strength are now our biggest assets."

Meanwhile, the appointment of Argentine coach Mario Gomez has been a major boost for Kings, who also advanced to the group stage of the AFC Challenge League last month with an inspiring 1-0 win over Syrian side Al-Kamarah SC.

"We had a good pre-season, and in this regard, we are ahead of Mohammedan in terms of fitness and combination," said captain Topu Barman. "Coach Mario has quickly built a good rapport with the players. We hope to welcome him with a victory."

Coach Mario also sounded optimistic. "We may not have had much time together, but we must win on Friday. If you have character, you will win. The key is to work hard and not lose the ball in dangerous areas."

Kings will rely on proven attackers Dorielton Gomes of Brazil and Emmanuel Sunday of Nigeria, along with Brazilian playmaker Raphael Augustin and Nigerian defender Emanuel Tony.

On the other hand, Mohammedan parted ways with Malian forward Souleymane Diabate and will instead depend on new arrivals Samuel Boateng, Bernard Morison, and experienced Uzbek midfielder Muzaffar Muzaffarov.