The ten-team second round begins from July 11 with the three Dhaka-based giants and Arambagh Krira Chakra having direct entry along with six qualifying teams.

The 'big three' began their training programmes a month ago in the city. Mohammedan, the popular Motijheel based club, are getting ready at the Rajabagh Police Lines ground under the supervision of coach Abul Hossain.

The Premier Division League champions, who captured all three major club competitions last year, are determined to the retain them.

The determined black and whites have bolstered their squad by flying in Nigerian booters Bode Baba Lola and Ladi Baba Lola yesterday. The tall African pair are no strangers to local football as they appeared for Mohammedan a couple of seasons ago.

In attack Mohammedan have national forwards Rokonuzzaman Kanchan and Ariful Kabir Farhad and veteran Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib. The trios lethal finishing was instrumental in helping the team lift all the titles.

Former Bangladesh captain Jewel Rana, Masood Rana, Riad, Hasan and Firoz Mahmud Hossain Titu will man the Mohammedan wall while Monwar and Faisal create havoc in the midfield.

Abahani practised at their club ground in Dhanmondi under the supervision of coach Amalesh Sen and manager Monem Munna.

The popular outfit is however the weakest side on paper.

Their regular goalkeeper Rakib Mehbub Apel is now in London and it is uncertain whether he will return before the second phase starts.

If that happens, Abahani will have to play with their substitute custodian Himu.

They will also miss the services of their most dependable defender Ghansha as the Ghanaian joined Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra last week.

It was learnt from a reliable source that the all-reds are also likely to bring Colly Barnes who also played for Abahani last year.

All is not lost for Abahani who will welcome back midfielder Zakir Hossain. Last season he lost his place in the squad due to a bout of poor form.

Muktijoddha, who surprisingly failed to win a single domestic honour despite having an all-star team, boast the most formidable defence in the country with Hasan Al-Mamun, Rajani Kanta Barman and Mohammed Sujon.

They will look to ace midfielders Arman Mia and Matiur Rahman Munna for the inspiration to help Alfaz and Moni score the goals.