Bangladesh top-flight clubs Dhaka Mohammedan and Chittagong Abahani, who reached the semi-finals of the inaugural Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup, have experienced similar starts to the tournament; they both lost their opening match.
While Dhaka Mohammedan were beaten by Afghan outfit De Sphin Ghar Bazan, Chittagong Abahani were defeated by I-League side East Bengal.
The Bangladesh duo however, recovered in an admirable fashion and progressed to the last four alongside East Bengal and Bazan.
Having reached the semis, Dhaka Mohammedan will now target the much-coveted final berth when they face Kolkata giants East Bengal in the second semi-final today at MA Aziz Stadium in the port city. The tie will kick off at 7:40pm and Channel Nine will telecast it live.
Dhaka Mohammedan's journey to the final though will be anything but a rosy ride as East Bengal are one of the front-runners for the title following their unbeaten group-stage campaign. The Red and Gold's squad is a fine mixture of youth and experience but if Dhaka Mohammedan continue their recent run of form, today's semi-final will be an interesting affair.
The traditional Black and Whites returned to winning ways after their loss in the opening game and have also recorded the tournament's biggest margin of victory when they swept aside Sri Lankan side Solid FC 6-1. The 2-1 win against I-League outfit Kolkata Mohammedan will also provide inspiration to the Motijheel-based powerhouse.
Joshimuddin Joshi's charges however, are facing a number of injury blows ahead of the blockbuster clash. Five of their footballers, including youngster Nabib Newaj Jibon, Jewel Rana and Mohammad Ibrahim are uncertain for the East Bengal tie.
In contrast, the Indians have no injury problems to worry about.
On the eve of the second semi-final, Joshi said he wants to take the game to the opposition and believes the local crowd will be their main source of inspiration.
Joshi though admitted that East Bengal will pose a stern test of their credentials
“East Bengal usually play with long passes. They are also very good in midfield. I will chalk up my formation pointing out their weaknesses and strong sides,” Joshi informed the media yesterday.
Despite being the favourites, Biswajit Bhattacharya was too humble to admit it and instead, termed themselves as the underdogs.
Biswajit's biggest boost is the return of Do Dong-hyun to full match-fitness. The talented South Korean forward flew to Chittagong last Monday night to join up with the squad after recuperating from injury.
Dhaka Mohammedan had six different scorers in their 6-1 thrashing over Solid FC but against Kolkata Mohammedan, it was all about Peter Akinyele. A lot will rest on Peter therefore if Dhaka Mohammedan are to reach the final.
Mohammedan will also look to their captain Arup Kumar Baidya for inspiration. Arup has been a constant menace down the right flank throughout the tournament and Joshi will be eager for more of the same today.
