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The archrivals meet today |
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News
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August 28, 2000
Dhaka (UNB) - The battle of prestige between Abahani Limited and Mohammedan SC takes place today (Monday) as they meet in the final of the 16th Federation Cup Football Tournament. The final of the season's curtain raiser tournament kicks off at 5pm at Bangabandhu National Stadium. Abahani confirmed their final berth beating giant Muktijoddha Sangsad in the second semi-final by 2-1 goals while Mohammedan earned ticket with a solitary goal victory over Arambagh KS. This is good news for Mohammedan's supporters as their front line striker Alfaz Ahmed, also the country's number one forward, expected to play in the final. While Abahani misses the service of forward Rukunuzzaman Kanchan, who netted one goal in the semi-final, due to book by two yellow cards, another vital player Arman Miah is unlikely to turn up on the field because of injury. But Amolesh Sen, the traditional Dhanmondi outfit coach, is confident to win the battle because he thinks his team as the balanced side after inclusion of two Ghanaian booters. It's true that Abahani has gained strength after the inclusion of two foreigners, defender Charles Ghansa and striker Kennedy who also played for the same club last season. The popular blue-sky Abahani meet with their arch rivals black-white Mohammedan in the season warm-up tournament to retain their crown. The Abahani coach feels that there is no reason to lose the match unless their forwards miss plenty of opportunities as they did in the previous matches. His opponent coach Hasanuzzaman Bablu said his team lacks in the preparation that needs for a good game as they are going to play just upon their arrival from England. "Injury is our another problem." Despite some shortfalls, the Mohammedan coach believes they will able to win the battle because match against Abahani Limited is always a different game for the Mohammedan players. He said their players are always interested to play against the arch rivals. "I do believe our players will be able to show their best in the tomorrow's (Monday's) final." The record book fevourd Mohammedan Sporting Club in the tournament as they won seven from previous 13 matches. Mohammedan emerged champions in the tournament for seven times and shared on two occasions while Abahani Limited earned the feat for six times and shared on one occasion. Home Minister Mohammed Nasim will attend the final encounter as chief guest while State Minister for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs Obaidul Quader will be present as special guest. Tickets for the match will go on sale at 1:45pm tomorrow (Monday) at the counters of the stadium while the gates (1,2,3,5,6,10,11,14,15,17,19,20,21) will be open at 2pm. Ticket rates: Gallery (East)-Tk 25, Gallery (West)-Tk 30, VIP- Tk 50. |