East Bengal to face Churchill in Fed Cup opener

Cuttack May 6 (IANS) East Bengal will clash with Churchill Brothers in the inaugural match of the 2017 Federation Cup at the Barabati Stadium here on Sunday.

Last year s runners-up and newly crowned I-League champions Aizawl FC will face Chennai City FC in the second match later in the day.

The groups have been chalked out based on the clubs respective positions in the final I-league table.

Teams finishing first third sixth and eighth in the I-League have been clubbed in Group A while those Teams at the second fourth fifth and seventh spots have been slotted in Group B.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals which are slated to kick-off on May 14.

Aizawl FC East Bengal Churchill Brothers FC Goa and Chennai City FC comprise Group A.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan are in Group B along with Shillong Lajong FC Bengaluru FC and DSK Shivajians FC.

Mohun Bagan are most successful team in the tournament having won the title a record 14 times. They have reached the final 19 times.

They will begin their title defence against DSK Shivajians FC on Monday.

We have been drawn in a competitive group and we will look forward to facing a tough fight from every team. There is pressure when you are the defending champions but that is football Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said.

Aizawl FC meanwhile will be looking to add another feather to their cap.

Every tournament is different but we will try to win the championship as will every team. It is an interesting group and we will see how it plays out Aizawl coach Khalid Jamil stated.

--IANS
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