Clash of the dark horses
A revamped Arambagh Krira Sangha will be looking forward to making it to the Federation Cup final after 15 years when they take on Team BJMC in the first semifinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
After getting promoted to top-tier football at the end of last season, Arambagh stated with a defeat against Sheikh Russel KC, but have since remained unbeaten in seven matches -- four in Independence Cup and three in Federation Cup. And the 2001 Federation Cup runners-up have hogged the limelight after beating Abahani and holders Sheikh Jamal DC on way to reaching the semifinals of the ongoing tournament.
Team BJMC, a mid-table side of the professional league, have had an impressive run as well as they are still unbeaten and have overcome opponents such as Mohammedan and Muktijoddha Sangsad. Team BJMC are eagerly waiting to break a five-year jinx by reaching the Federation Cup final for the first time since their maiden final appearance in 2011.
With big names such as Sheikh Jamal, Mohammedan, Brothers Union, Muktijoddha Sangsad and star-studded Chittagong Abahani all biting the dust, Arambagh and Team BJMC are gearing up for a place in the final. The first semifinal between the two success-hungry sides should be very competitive even though the style of play of the two sides is very different from each others'.
Saiful Bari Titu's Arambagh prefer to play with a compact defence and pounce on the break while Saidul Haque's Team BJMC like to play attacking football.
“We have taken similar preparation to what we had taken against Abahani and Sheikh Jamal DC. We respect the opposition, who have been together for long with some matured players. I think it would be a 50-50 match,” said Titu.
“We will go there for a win and I am hopeful that the boys will leave the field with a victory,” said Team BJMC coach Saidul Haque, who believes team spirit and quick positional changes of the players is key to his side's his success.
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