NEW DELHI: Even as the memories of the Hero I-League stay afresh with Bengaluru FC having carried the coveted Trophy back to the Garden City, the Hero Federation Cup is all set to kick-off the day after (April 30, 2016).
The top eight Teams as per the final standings of the Hero I-League Cup would be locking horns with the Tournament being played on a Home and Away basis. However, the higher ranked Teams (as per the Final standings of the Hero I-League) would have the privilege of playing their Home matches later (in the return leg).
Speaking exclusively to the-aiff.com, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said that he expects the “Hero Federation Cup to be as competitive as the Hero I-League.”
“Despite the Hero I-League having lesser Teams this season there has been a substantial increase in viewership -- both in TV audience and spectators on the ground. The League was very competitive and I expect the Hero Federation Cup to generate the same level of interest and competition,” he told @AIFFMedia, the Official Twitter handle of AIFF.
The Ball gets rolling with current I-League Champions Bengaluru FC taking on Aizawl FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl on April 30, the kick-off of which is at 3pm.
Mr. Das also highlighted about the present format of the Hero Federation Cup.
“The AIFF were looking to bring in a more relevant format for the Tournament. Going forward we may make further changes to bring it more in line to a lot other Championships,” he added.
Timings of Round 1 matches:
April 30: Aizawl FC vs Bengaluru FC (3pm – in Aizawl).
May 1: Shillong Lajong FC vs Kingfisher East Bengal (5pm in Shillong).
May 1: Mumbai FC vs Sporting Clube de Goa (7pm in Mumbai).
May 2: Salgaocar FC vs Mohun Bagan (4.30pm in Goa).
Timings of Round 2 matches:
May 3: Bengaluru FC vs Aizawl FC (7pm in Bengaluru).
May 4: Kingfisher East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong FC (4.30pm in Barasat).
May 4: Sporting Clube de Goa vs Mumbai FC (4.30pm in Goa).
May 5: Mohun Bagan vs Salgaocar FC (7pm in Barasat).
AIFF Media Team
