Reigning champion Abahani Limited, two-time winner Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited and new powerhouse Bashundhara Kings were pitted in the group of death as the draw of the Walton BFF U-18 Football Tournament 2019 was held at BFF House in Dhaka Saturday.
The three potential favorites were placed in Group C while the other favorite Saif Sporting Club were drawn in Group D along with Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra and NoFeL Sporting Club.
Bangladesh Premier League's relegated and bottom-placed side Team BJMC refrained from taking part in the season's last tournament that kicks off at Bangabandhu National Stadium on September 12 with the participation of other 12 clubs split into four groups.
Chittagong Abahani Limited, Brothers Union and Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra were placed in Group A while Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited, Arambagh Krira Sangha and Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society were drawn in Group B.
Saif Sporting have had the best preparation as they have youth teams running for around two years now.
Bashundhara began their preparation one and a half months ago with 45 players, from which 16 players were finalized Saturday, while the rest are expected to be confirmed within a day.
The logo and trophy unveiling of the Bangabandhu and Bangamata National Gold Cup Football (U-17 boys and girls) were held at the National Sports Council auditorium in Dhaka Saturday, a day before the nation-wide event gets underway at Tangail Stadium.https://t.co/88e6RQhERj#BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) August 31, 2019
Abahani began their preparation Saturday with an open trial.
The rest of the clubs started their preparation within the last week.
The representatives of the clubs were present during the draw.
Mohammedan’s striker-turned-midfielder Jahid Hasan Ameli, who is the team manager of the U-18 side, said, “Two weeks of preparation is not enough but it’s an open tournament. No doubt we are in the group of death but if we can overcome the group obstacles the next stages would likely be easier for us to reach the final.”
Meanwhile, the age verification of the players will be held until the end of the registration window Monday.
The fixtures are not finalized yet but professional league committee chairman and BFF senior vice-president Abdus Salam Murshedy informed that the tournament will conclude within three weeks.
Groupings
Group A: Ctg Abahani, Brothers, Muktijoddha
Group B: Sk Jamal, Arambagh, Rahmatganj
Group C: Abahani, Mohammedan, Bashundhara
Group D: Saif Sporting, Sheikh Russel, NoFeL