Hosts face Spin Ghar today

Without naming any names, De Spin Ghar Bazan coach Waheedullah said that they would need to stop three players of Chittagong Abahani when the two sides meet in the first semifinal of the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup today.

One of those three players must be Zahid Hossain, playing on loan from Sheikh Russel KC, who has almost single-handedly taken the hosts to the semifinals. After the opening match defeat against East Bengal, the veteran winger scored four goals in two matches as Chittagong Abahani pipped their Dhaka namesake for the second qualifying spot from group B.

Zahid was allowed some freedom in the match against Karachi Electric Club where he scored a hattrick, but he might have a different role in today's match.

“We have watched the matches of Chittagong Abahani and pointed out some of their weaknesses. There are three players we need to restrict. We are now working on it and hopefully we will win the match tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Waheedullah yesterday.

Wahedullah's counterpart, Chittagong Abahani coach Shafiqul Islam Manik, is aware of it too and he has a different gameplan.

“Football is a game of 11 players who need to perform collectively. Someone will have to show something special like Zahid did in the last two matches. If Zahid is confined, someone else will have to take the responsibility. I think there are players like Eleta Kingsley, Zahid Hasan Emily and Mithun Chowdhury, who can perform and take the team to the final,” said Manik.

Manik may have good attackers in his side, but his defence -- marshalled by Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Rezaul Karim, Sohel Rana and Beybeck Fonibagne -- is not that solid and was blamed for the three goals they conceded in the tournament. Manik admitted that he has something to worry about with this defence. 

“Yes, there was a little problem in backline because the midfielders were not quick to defend during the attacks of the opposition, but I am working on it to make sure less number of mistakes happen in the next match,” said Manik.

“However, we have reached the semifinal from the group of death and the players are more motivated after the last two matches. If the boys can maintain the tempo, it is possible to beat De Spin Ghar Bazan,” said Manik, who however admitted that the Afghan champions have a definite physical advantage.  

The match will kick off at 7:40pm and will be telecast live from the MA Aziz Stadium on Channel 9.