Ranchi, Siliguri to host Fed Cup

Shifted out of Assam, the Federation Cup football tournament will now be held in Siliguri and Ranchi from Sept 19, with the final slated to be organised in the north Bengal town on Sept 30.

Dempo SC will be playing Pailan Arrows while Mumbai FC will take on Shillong Lajong on the opening day of the tournament. Defending champions Salgaocar have been clubbed with Pune FC, Prayag United and United Sikkim FC in Group D and they will play their group matches in Ranchi.

Group A comprising Dempo, Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows and Shillong Lajong also play their matches in Ranchi.

However, Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will play their group matches in Siliguri. Last year’s runners-up East Bengal have been clubbed with Sporting Clube de Goa, ONGC and a qualifier in Group C.

East Bengal will open their campaign against Sporting Clube de Goa on Sept 21. Mohun Bagan are in Group B with Churchill Brothers, Air India and a qualifier. Mohun Bagan face Churchill Brothers on Sept 20 in their first match.

The groupings: Group A: Dempo SC, Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows, Shillong Lajong FC. Group B: Churchill Brothers, Air India, Mohun Bagan, Qualifier 1. Group C: Sporting Clube de Goa, ONGC, East Bengal, Qualifier 2. Group D: Salgaocar SC, Pune FC, Prayag United, United Sikkim FC.