First 'biggest' Club Cup final today

Mohammedan Sporting Club take on arch-rivals Abahani Krira Chakra in the final of the fourth Club Cup hockey tournament at the Maulana Bhasani National Stadium today.

This is for the first time that the two most popular clubs of the country are meeting in the final of the Club Cup since its inception in the 1998-99 season. The match is scheduled for a quarter past 4 pm start.

Abahani played in the first two finals of the event, both against Usha Krira Chakra and were on the losing side.

On the other hand, Mohammedan proceeded to the title match last year, also against Usha, and came out successful against the defending champions.

Mohammedan also look very determined to retain the title this time and in order to achieve that the Motijheel-based club yesterday morning has flown in two Pakistani forwards in Kamran Ashraf and Navid Shafiq. And it is certain that the two will take the field along side Mohammad Asim who has been playing for the black and whites since the tournament began.

Mohammedan had practised with the two new arrivals at the match venue yesterday under the supervision of their coach Kawsar Ali despite they played a tough match against Usha Krira Chakra the day before.

"I am not very sure whether Karman and Navid would increase our strength since they have just arrived. We have been playing good hockey so far and we want to keep that momentum going when we face Abahani tomorrow," said Mohammedan captain Musa Miah yesterday.

"We will play for victory," added the national team midfielder who has scored nine goals so far to lead his side from the front.

On the other hand, Abahani, who are yet to win a Club Cup, opted for a complete rest yesterday after winning the semifinal against Mariner Youngs Club 4-1, also on Tuesday.

The players of the sky blues, however, had light exercise at the club premises in Dhanmondi in the afternoon.

"We want to win this title this time around. We had been in finals on two previous occasions, but we want to be third time lucky. We are not afraid that they (Mohammedan) have brought in two more Pakistanis. We are a balanced side and confident to win tomorrow," said Abahani captain Mahbubul Ehsan Rana yesterday.

He added that they were happy with the only foreign player in their side in Indian Christopher Edward Thomas.