New powerhouse Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club face a revitalised Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in the second semi-final of the Grameenphone Federation Cup at the Kamalapur stadium at 5:00pm today.
The semi-final will be an ‘acid test’ for Sheikh Jamal who arrived in the local football arena with the best team on papers. Making the final in their very first appearance will enhance their credentials.
However, Sheikh Jamal, coached by Serbian Zoran Kralevic, have had their ups and downs in the group stage as they won only one game against Rahmatganj and drew the other two with Sheikh Russell and Dhaka Abahani.
Muktijoddha on the other hand do not have any added pressure on them and they are just enjoying themselves at the moment. The freedom fighters’ team somehow managed to escape relegation last season but formed a strong team this year. Coached by Maruful Haque, Muktijoddha have played a good brand of football. On their way to the semi-final, they defeated Brothers Union and Feni Soccer Club and drew with Dhaka Mohammedan. Muktijoddha finished runners-up in 2005 and since then have not reached the final of the curtain raiser tournament.
With 16 national players in their fold Sheikh Jamal do have a strong reserve bench. National forwards Emily and Enamul, midfielder Zahid, defenders Nasir, Ariful and Shujon and reliable goalkeeper Aminul carry the hopes of Sheikh Jamal.
Muktijoddha will hope that the fireworks of their Sudanese forward James Saeed Moga, who has scored eight goals in the tournament, continue. His Nigerian attacking partner Alamu Bukola, experienced goalkeeper Biplob, defender Rajani have transformed Muktjoddha into a formidable outfit.
Zoran Kralevic relished the three-day break before the tough tie. ‘We have played three matches in six days, but the players start afresh in the semi-final after the three-day break, my team has continued to improve gradually and I believe the best will come out when it is needed most,’ said Zoran.
Maruf was also thinking to bring the best out of his players. ‘I am not worried about the opponents, all I am thinking is to move into the final with a good teamwork-based game, my players are ready to prove themselves,’ said Maruf.
