Independence Cup semifinals today

Defending champions Bashundhara Kings will take on Bangladesh Police FC in the second semifinal of the Riviera Independence Cup today in what will be a rematch of the 2019 Federation Cup last-four battle, which Kings won 3-0 on way to establishing themselves as the new powerhouse of domestic football.

This time Police are expected to be a tougher challenge for the champions following their 1-0 win over former champions Sheikh Russel in the quarterfinals, thanks to a headed goal from Amiruddin Sharifi.

Kings, though, have a 100 percent record, having won all three group matches before dispatching Sheikh Jamal 4-0 in the last four. Following a goalless first half, Kings turned on the style, with Jonathan Fernandes scoring twice while Robson Robinho and Alamgir Kabir Rana added one apiece.

The match will kick off at 8:00pm at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium after the first semifinal between Abahani and Saif SC at the same venue at 5:15pm.

Abahani, who won the title only once back in 1990, will look to get past first-time semifinalists Saif SC to book a final berth for the first time since 2016.