The stage is all set for the Federation Cup grand finale. Bangabandhu National Stadium will once again host Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, the defending champions, who are confident of retaining their title, and Muktijoddha SKC, who are desperate to undo last year’s result and lift the trophy come today evening.
The match kicks off at 5:15pm and Jamal are clear favourites, but one shall also not rule out the Reds. The current Premier League champions, Jamal also won the King’s Cup in Bhutan earlier this year which clearly points to their strength. Meanwhile, 0-1, 0-2 and 3-4 defeats in the last three meetings between the sides will also not help the Muktis’ confidence.
However, Sheikh Jamal’s experienced coach Maruful Haque brushed away their “favourites” tag and said, “Stats never influenced me. This is a new year, new season, new environment so we are only concentrating on playing good football and becoming champions.”
“Muktijoddha came here beating Mohammedan and Abahani so they have the confidence and we also played against such clubs who played with high spirit and gave their best. But we are confident of retaining the title,” he added.
Captain Nasir Uddin, who scored the only goal in the last final and also played a key role in their road to the final this year, believes they “have a good understanding among the players in the team.” He said, “The confidence and power we have, we can lift the title.”
Meanwhile, Muktijoddha coach Abu Yousuf is relying on the tactical side and said, “Muktijoddha are a tested team and they proved it by reaching the final. Although we couldn’t perform the way we wanted but there is many ways to create the difference against Sheikh Jamal.”
“We will try to beat them tactically. If the players can perform on the field according to the plan and strategy then we will win the final,” said the former national coach and player.
His skipper Enamul Haque is oozing with confidence as he said, “We defeated big clubs like Abahani and Mohammedan on our way to the final. If we continue the way we played in the tournament we will become champions.”
