With two uninspiring draws (0-0 against Rahmatganj and 1-1against Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra) in their last two group matches, Abahani are in need of some spark against an inspired Mohammedan who have won all their three fixtures.

The clash of the titans kicks off at 2pm at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Mohammedan have been buoyed by the news that the much awaited International Transfer Certificate (ITC) of their five recruits from Cameroon have reached the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Barring any last-minute hitch, at least two of the Africans are set to make their Dhaka debuts today.

"We have received their transfer clearances today and they will play in the semifinal," said a confident Mohammedan manager Amirul Islam Babu yesterday. But a source close to Mohammedan said that the club will sign two players for the semifinal.

BFF general secretary Anwarul Haque Helal also confirmed that they have got the papers.

"I haven't had a chance to look at them yet. I hope to go through them later," said Helal when contacted in the afternoon. However, registration formalities of the Cameroon players were yet to be completed till writing of this report at 9pm.

The foreign legion is vital for Mohammedan's prospects this season as they have suffered badly in the local booters' transfers burse. Midfielder Olinga Alaain is a Cameroon international while defenders Effengue Dillan, strikers Etola Kirki, and Itogomark and playmaker Barsola Barsolami also have impressive credentials. All of them joined the club's practice session yesterday at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground and are fit to play if they get the green signal.

On paper Abahani have the better crop of players but their relative struggle in the Federation Cup gave a different impression. A major problem for Abahani has been goal scoring and they have been forced to play Brazilian midfielder Alesandro Pedrosa as a supporting striker. But with national striker Rokonuzzaman Kanchan expected to be back after missing the last game against Muktijoddha, Abahani can heave a sigh of relief. It was Kanchan, a Mohammedan player just a few months ago, who doomed Abahani with a fantastic goal from and acute angle when the two sides last met during in a National League semifinal.

Abahani also have another ex-Mohammedan player in midfield dynamo Arif Khan Joy who has had an impressive time in the field so far for the sky blues.

Both sides have some injury problems.

Abahani captain Rakib has been suffering from viral fever and is uncertain for the match while key defender Kingshuk has been ruled out because of an ankle injury suffered against Muktijoddha.

"Our main problem is with the forward line besides the poor form of the foreign recruits," said Rakib, who missed yesterday's light training session at the club ground.

Mohammedan will be missing the services of their number one goalkeeper Bijon Barua again. But captain and veteran central defender Jewel Rana was delighted with the form of two revitalised players Amin Rana and Sourav Raju. Jewel also believed that new recruit Bakhtiaruddin was an ideal booter to fill the role left vacant by Joy.

Jewel was praying that the match doesn't go to tie-breakers. Mohammedan lost two finals this year in tie-breakers and that's why the Mohammedan skipper was eyeing to finish the game within regulation time.

"We have to take the chances. I am confident we can score in normal time if we get the service of our foreign players," said Jewel.