33rd Federation Cup - Qualifiers: Md Sporting & Royal Wahingdoh move on

Mohammedan Sporting Club and Royal Wahingdoh FC have qualified for the quarterfinal league stage of the 33rd Federation Cup. The two sides won their respective groups in the qualifiers held from September 8 to 13 in Kolkata.

The quarterfinal league of the 33rd Federation Cup (India's version of the FA Cup) will be played from September 17 to 29 simultaneously in Kolkata and Pune with the semifinals and final to be played at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.

For Royal Wahingdoh FC qualifying for the main phase of the tournament is the biggest success for the Shillong club. Former India captain Charlton Chapman is coaching a young, talented side who had raised eyebrows in last seasons 2nd Division I-League by reaching the final round. But now in the Quarterfinal League Group A they face record champions Mohun Bagan AC, big spending Goans Churchill Brothers SC and local rivals Shillong Lajong FC. A real test how far the team has come in the last few months, then beating United Sikkim FC and Southern Samity in their group is a good step forward.

For Mohammedan Sporting Club making the quarterfinal stage isn't something new. The former Fed Cup champions won their group with identical 1-0 wins against Ar-Hima FC and Vasco SC. But if the fallen giants can resurrect their image in their Quarterfinal League Group C will have to be seen as teams like defending champions East Bengal Club, Dempo SC and Pune FC will be tough opposition.


The Qualifiers

Group A
08-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Ar-Hima FC
10-Sep-11: Ar-Hima FC 0-0 Vasco SC
12-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Vasco SC

Group B
09-Sep-11: Southern Samity 0-1 Royal Wahingdoh FC
09-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC 3-2 ONGC
11-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC 1-0 United Sikkim FC
11-Sep-11: ONGC 1-2 Southern Samity
13-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC 3-1 ONGC
13-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC 1-0 Southern Samity