Sports Reporter :
The draw ceremony of the Independence Cup Football was held at the conference room in the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) House on Tuesday. A total of 15 teams splitting into four groups will take part in the curtain-raiser football competition of this season. The football meet will start on November 27 and the football tournament will come to an end on December 18.
Top two teams from each group will move into the quarter-finals. The Group-D is ‘death group’. Reigning champions Bashundhara Kings, Chittagong Abahani Limited, Bangladesh Police Football Club and Bangladesh Navy have been placed in the Group-D. Though Bashundhara Kings are the powerhouse of Bangladesh football teams but Bashundhara Kings have some record that they lost to Chittagong Abahani Limited for several times. Bangladesh Police Club are ‘giant killer’. Besides, ace striker Mamunul Islam will play for Bangladesh Navy.
Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra, Bangladesh Army have been billed in Group-C. Dhaka Mohammedan and Saif Sporting will take place in last eight, if there is no surprise result.
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, Uttar Baridhara Club, Bangladesh Air Force have been placed in Group-B. Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel will normally enter the quarter-finals.
Dhaka Abahani Limited, Rahmatganj MFS, Swadhinata Krira Sangha have been placed in Group-A. Dhaka Abahani and Rahmatganj will reach the last eight if newcomers Swadhinata Krira Sangha can not make any gimmick.
Grouping of Independence Cup Football :
Group-A: Dhaka Abahani Limited, Rahmatganj MFS, Swadhinata Krira Sangha
Group-B: Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, Uttar Baridhara Club, Bangladesh Air Force
Group-C : Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club, Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra, Bangladesh Army
Group-D: Bashundhara Kings, Chaittagong Abahani Limited, Bangladesh Police Football Club and Bangladesh Navy.
