Bengaluru takes on Aizawl in Fed Cup opener

The top-eight teams of the I-league will compete in this 13-match knockout tournament. Bengaluru FC is the defending champion.

Bengaluru FC players train at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on the eve of the Federation Cup opener against Aizawl FC.

I-League champion Bengaluru FC (BFC) faces Aizawl FC in the opening match of the Federation Cup at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday.

The top-eight teams of the I-league will compete in this 13-match knockout tournament. BFC is the defending champion.

"We have been fairly consistent this season, and we hope to carry this form into the Federation Cup. We could not train as much as we would have liked to - after our long journey yesterday - but we will play to win tomorrow," BFC coach Ashley Westwood said.

"Aizawl are a good team. It was sad to see to see them go out. They were a fresh team that showed excitement and did not deserve to be relegated (from the I-League)," Westwood added.

Aizawl FC coach, Jahar Das, stated that his side could cause an upset. "We were able to beat Mohun Bagan, who were at the top of the points table at the time. We can win against BFC. We have an advantage over them as they are a little tired," Das said.

"It was a difficult time for us (after being relegated). But now, we have the opportunity to play against the champion," Aizwal FC midfielder Albert Zohmingmawia stated.