One of the semifinals of the Federation Cup may end up as a Dhaka Derby, with Abahani facing Rahmatganj MFS and Mohammedan facing Chattogram Abahani in their respective quarterfinals on Monday.
Holders Abahani will definitely be the favourites against Rahmatganj MFS, but Mohammedan have an uphill task stopping the fine run of Chattogram Abahani.
The Sky Blues, 11-time champions including the latest three in a row, enjoyed a goal fest in the group stages. They netted nine times during big-margin wins over Police FC (4-0) and Arambagh (5-1), despite Mario Lemos fielding different starting elevens.
10-time champions Mohammedan, who last won the cup in 2009, shone in the tournament with a different strategy and formation under Sean Lane, despite having formed an average squad.
Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra and Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited advanced to the Federation Cup quarter-finals, by virtue of getting the least number of yellow cards.https://t.co/nzLYDFQZNB#BFF #FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #FEDERATIONCUP #FEDCUP
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 28, 2019
They drew with Muktijoddha SKC (1-1) and Sheikh Russel KC (goalless), before bagging their first win against Uttar Baridhara (1-0) in the third group match.
Sheikh Kamal Club Cup winners Chattogram Abahani are the only team other than Abahani who have maintained a 100% win record.
Maruful Haque’s side swept past Brothers Union and Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings by 2-0 margins, illustrating the difficult task that awaits Mohammedan if they are to set up a Dhaka Derby semifinal.
Quarterfinal line-ups
Monday
Abahani vs Rahmatganj at 3.30pm
Chattogram Abahani vs Mohammedan at 6.30pm
Tuesday
Saif Sporting vs Police
Muktijoddha vs Bashundhara
