Federation Cup preliminary knock-out matches to begin tomorrow

Bangalore, Nov 19 (UNI) Five teams each in Group A and B led by Salgaocar and Viva Kerala will fight it out in the preliminary league of the 30th Federation Cup Football Tournament beginning here from tomorrow.

The toppers of the two groups would join winners from Group C and Group D to be played in Assam and Manipur. They would play in the tournament proper in Kolkata next month.

In the morrow's inaugural match between BEML clash with Indian Bank. The host team has edge over Mumbai team which has been completely revamped and sports a young bunch.

BEML coach Karuna Murthy said, "We have a better chance with players in full spirit. They underwent a special camp for three months mainly with the Federation Cup in view. Recently they had done well in the Nationals." The Host team has roped in two foreigners including Nigerian defender Obinna Winner and Ghana's striker Samuel Jackson.

Indian Bank Coach Samuel Pasha said his was a young bunch with average age below 21 years.

"We are trying with youngsters since all the senior players have left. But the new team performed well in the Nationals and qualified for the second phase," he said.

He said strikers like Illa Murugan, defenders Satish, Hemant and Uday Kumar, will have a bold show.

The Teams participating in the next 10 days knock out round includes Group A: Salgaocar, BEML, Indian Bank, SBT, BMFC and Group B: Viva Kerala, ICF, Sesa Goa, Pune FC and HAL.

While Group A matches would conclude on November 24, the Group B matches begins from November 25.

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