USFC has been placed in Group D along with Dempo SC, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Bhawanipore FC; only the group topper will enter the semi-final round of the tournament. This is the second consecutive time the home club has been participating in this prestigious tournament. In its debut performance in this tournament last year, the home team did not make it past the group stage.
USFC recently signed seven new players including three former international players of India and two foreign players in an effort to have a stronger team. The international players are Sur Kumar Singh, Dharamjit Singh and James Singh along with goalkeeper Dipyundu Sarkar and Sukbinder Singh. Likewise, the club has also added Nigerian OS Adeleja and Ghanaian Enoch Annan in its squad.
Similarly, the USFC players have been undergoing rigorous training sessions under its new and experienced coach, Ekendra Singh since the past 10 days. Mr Singh was the former coach of the Sporting-club-Goa.
Speaking to media persons at Paljor Stadium this morning, the USFC CEO Bhaichung Bhutia stated that it was a big opportunity for players to play in such prestigious tournament which has the 16 best teams of the country. He added that the club has a high expectation from the squad for performing well in the tournament. He further added that the induction of new experienced players in the team would further help this young squad for good results.
The home team will be playing its first match against Mohammedan Sporting Club on 14 January and then against Dempo SC on 17 January; the final group match will be with Bhawanipore FC on 20 January.
East Bengal is the defending champion of the tournament.
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