Abahani, Kings placed in separate groups

Heavyweights Abahani and Bashundhara Kings are set to collide before the final of the upcoming 13th edition of the Independence Cup.

The two local powerhouses were pitted in separate groups during the draw of the season's curtain-raising tournament - held at the BFF House today.

Split into four groups, 13 teams -- 10 from Bangladesh Premier League and three from qualifiers -- will play the round-robin league matches before the top two from each group advance to the quarterfinals.

If Abahani and two-time champions and holders Kings top their respective groups, they will meet in the semifinals. The last time it happened, in 2018, Kings ousted Abahani 7-6 in tiebreakers after extra-time ended 1-1.

As far as venues as concerned, the district cricket league has prevented Cumilla District Sports Association from using the district stadium. Thus, instead of four, the tournament will be held at three different locations: Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka, Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Mymensingh, and Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.

The business end of the tournament will get underway on October 27, featuring three matches – including last edition's quarterfinalists Abahani taking on Air Force Football Team, who were the last outfit to make the cut in the prestigious competition following a 2-0 win over Dhaka University on Monday.

Bangladesh Football Federation vice-president, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan Manik, informed the tournament will be devoid of action for a month once the group-stage fixtures wrap up. This is due to the national team and Kings' World Cup Qualifier and AFC Cup engagement, respectively, from November 7 to 27.

Group A

Bangladesh Police FC, Sheikh Jamal DC, and Brothers Union

Group B

Abahani Ltd., Sheikh Russel KC, Rahmatganj MFS, and Air Force FT

Group C

Mohammedan SC, Fortis FC, and Army FT

Group D

Bashundhara Kings, Chittagong Abahani, and Navy FT