The knock-out round of the Federation Cup begins today with defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club taking on Arambagh Krira Sangha in the first quarter-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Jamal qualified for the last eight of the competition as Group C runners up while Arambagh reached the knockout stage as Group A champions. Under the tutelage of national team coach Saiful Bari Titu, Arambagh have made immense improvement and are ready to offer some tough challenge to the defending champions, who thrashed Uttar Baridhara 6-2 before conceding a shocking 1-2 defeat to Brothers Union.
In the second quarter-final, Group B champions Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra will lock horns with Group D runners-up Rahmatganj MFS on June 18 a day before Abahani Limited face Brothers Union in the third quarter-final.
Group D champions Team BJMC will vie against Muktijoddha Sangshad Krira Chakra in the last quarter-final on June 20.
The two semi-finals will be held on June 22 and 23 respectively while the final will be staged on June 26.
-With New Age input
