Former Super Cup holders Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited will target their third successive final in the tournament’s third edition when they clash with Muktijoddha Sangsad KC today in the second semi-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The crucial tie will kick off at 6:00pm and the state-owned channel Bangladesh Television will telecast the match live.
Runners-up in the previous two editions, Mohammedan confirmed their last four place in the cash-rich event at a canter. The black-and-white outfit secured wins over Team BJMC and rivals Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in their first two matches before being held by Brothers Union to a goalless draw.
Muktijoddha, on the other hand, had to depend on the results of the other teams as they drew their opening game against Abahani Limited before going down to treble winners Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra.
Only a victory in their last game against Feni Soccer Club ensured their passage to the last four.
Mohammedan coach Saiful Bari Titu sounded out his note of optimism ahead of the clash.
‘If the lads can maintain their rhythm in the semi-final then we will be victorious and seal a place in the final for the third time in a row,’ said Titu.
The Motijheel-based club, who succumbed to defeats against Russell and Jamal in the semi-finals of the Federation Cup and Independence Cup respectively this season, were relieved to avoid the duo in the last four.
‘Definitely, it is a big respite not to encounter Sheikh Russell or Sheikh Jamal but Muktijoddha Sangsad will be the team to beat as they have performed well in the Super Cup,’ said Titu.
Titu’s counterpart at Muktijoddha, Shafiqul Islam Manik is, however, eyeing a place in a tournament’s
final for the first time since 2005 when they emerged champions in the Independence Cup.
‘All of our players were not available at the same time in the last two matches, so we expect a full-strength side against Mohammedan,’ said Manik.
‘However, we need to improve on our performance to overcome Mohammedan,’ he said.
-With New Age input
