The focus un-doubtedly will be on the Dhaka Derby between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Krira Chakra when the semifinals of the Nitol-Tata Third Nat-ional Football League take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

The clash of the titans will kick off at 5.30pm after the first semifinal featuring star-studded Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra and dark horse Moulvibazar Wanderers Club at 3.30 pm.

Bangladesh Television will provide live coverage of both semifinals.

It is always dubbed 'the battle' when the country's two popular giants Mohammedan and Abahani lock horns at any sporting event.

Although Mohammedan will walk into the field with an impressing run of form behind them, Abahani will take heart from the fact that the supposed underdog on the day has enjoyed a superior win ratio.

"They (Mohammedan) are no doubt favourites on paper. They have got six national players while we have only one. But this statistic means little when it comes to a clash between the two teams where nerves play a big role," said Abahani manager Monem Munna, who knows better than anybody else what it feels like to be in a blood and thunder battle.

Mohammedan captain Masud Rana also echoed the sentiment of his long-time rival on the field.

"Mental matters play a vital role when two popular teams meet. So there is always a fifty-fifty chance for both sides. No doubt we are a balanced team but we will have to give hundred per cent to win the battle," said the experienced left-wing back prior to his team's final training session at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground.

While Mohammedan and Abahani prepare for their first clash of the season, Muktijoddha on the other hand face the prospect of tough fight with Moulvibazar Wanderers to book their place the final for the first time.

But Wanderers, fresh from a 1-0 win against giant Abahani, are determined to one further.

"We hold Mohammedan Sporting Club in the first phase and beat another giant Abahani in the previous match, so why not expect another victory," said a confident Moulvibazar coach Shafiquddin.

His Muktijoddha counterpart Shafiqul Islam Manik also did not want to take the unheralded opponents from Sylhet lightly.

"They (Moulvibazar) are playing without any star players but their main strength is their fighting spirit. It will be a tough job out in the middle for my boys," the experienced coach said.

Manik, however, criticised the authority for arranging the match in early afternoon.

"It will be difficult for my team to show their usual performance under the energy-sapping heat," he said.