Russel, Jamal hold the edge

Players and officials of Abahani celebrate on the podium after their victory over arch-rivals Mohammedan in the Metropolis Women's Football League final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Last year's runners-up Sheikh Russel KC are the overwhelming favourites in their semifinal match of the ATN Bangla Independence Cup Football Tournament against Muktijoddha Sangsad KC while Sheikh Jamal DC hold a slight edge over Mohammedan SC in the other semifinal, both of which will be played at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
The Federation Cup champions Sheikh Russel, who are currently in second position in the Bangladesh Premier League, are the only team to have qualified for the semifinals with a 100 per cent record and are confident of making it through to their second successive final.
“We set a target of winning all the silverware this season after forming a strong side. We have won the Federation Cup, and we are doing well in the league. Insha Allah we will win this tournament as well,” said a confident Sheikh Russel coach Maruful Haque at the official pre-match press conference at the Bangladesh Football federation House yesterday.
Sheikh Russel's main force is midfield and attack, with Mamunul Islam playing a pivotal role in the midfield and Haitian Sony Norde spearheading the attack along with strikers Zahid Hasan Emily, Mithun Chowdhury and winger Zahid Hossain.
Maruf said his team has recovered well for this match, while his only injury concern remains over defenderMamun Mia.
The opponents Muktijoddha Sangsad, champions of the first edition of the tournament in 2005, are only praying for an upset against the title favourites. Boasting a mediocre team, according to the club coach's own admission, Muktijoddha have almost met their expectations by reaching the semifinals.
“We do not have such a good side to brag about. But since this is a cup tournament, anything can happen and we are hoping for the best,” said Muktijoddha coach Sheafiqul Islam Manik.
Before the Sheikh Russel-Muktijoddha match gets rolling, the first finalist will be decided when former professional league champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club take on Mohammedan SC.
Sheikh Jamal have a slight edge over their more illustrious opponents as they have won two of the three meetings between the two sides this season. Both teams have qualified with seven points, with Sheikh Jamal scoring a hatful of goals on their way. Their main scoring source has been the new inclusion Nigerian striker Alfred Emofoe who scored seven goals in the first two matches. Alfred's strike partner and compatriot Sunday Chizoba, who scored two goals in the first two games, is expected to be fit for the semifinal after sitting out the last match with an injury.
“We have a good side, have worked hard and reached the final of the Federation Cup as well. Hopefully we will play well and win,” said a quietly-confident Sheikh Jamal coach Joseph Afusi.
“Alfred is a good player, and he might have had an off day in the previous match. But I hope he will play his best football tomorrow (Sunday),” said Afusi. Afusi's counterpart Saiful Bari Titu expected the semifinal will be as much tactical battle as a technical one. Saying that he has the greatest respect in the strength of the opposition, Titu said his side's target was to reach the final.
“Sheikh Jamal have a very strong side and they have a very strong defence, comprised of local players. But we will try pressure-free football to overcome the challenge. We bowed out of the semifinals of the Federation Cup, which will be the driving force for doing better in this tournament,” said Titu. The Mohammedan coach will be hoping his Nigerian striker Osei Morrison fires in this match, which will release the pressure on the other players.