Now we know the final two Indian football teams who will battle it out in the Federation Cup 2016 final on Saturday. One of the key competitions in Indian football over the years, the Fed Cup had a major revamp of the format this time around and we witnessed a lot of drama in the previous rounds.
Defending champions Bengaluru FC were knocked out of the competition by minnows Aizawl FC, who were relegated from the I-League this season. BFC, meanwhile, lifted the I-League trophy for the second time in three years this season.
Everyone wanted to see the Northeast side, termed as giant killers in the competition, in the final and the fans as well as the football aficionados saw their wishes fulfilled as Aizawl got past the semifinal of the competition smoothly as well to reach the final.
It just cannot get more exiting for the Mizoram-based side who are making an instant mark in the national stage after featuring in their first-ever Federation Cup. Their opponent in the final, meanwhile, is the most experienced team in the history of the competition.
Mohun Bagan, who have won a total of 13 Fed Cup titles, have had a smooth sailing in the competition this time around after failing to defend the I-League title this season. Winning at least a trophy in the current season has been a long-time ambition of Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen and the Mariners, who are also in the pre-quarters of AFC Cup 2016, will at least hope to get their hands on one trophy before the season-end.
The pressure is thus on Aizawl FC to do the impossible and get a favourable result for themselves and make history for yet another time. Earlier, Aizawl FC star striker Joel had onSunday mentioned that his team are looking to emulating the sensational feat achieved by Leicester City in the Premier League this season.
The match will be played at a neutral ground, but Bagan could have an advantage as they have been playing their AFC Cup 2016 home games in Guwahati.
Federation Cup 2015 final schedule:
Fixture - Mohun Bagan vs Aizawl FC
Date - May 21, 2016.
Time - 7 p.m. IST.
Venue - Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati.
TV listing - Ten 2.
