take on Dipali Jubo Sangha in the opening match of the Federation Cup qualifiers at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Thursday.

Tibet, a popular brand of a cosmetic company, is the official title of the traditional football tournament.

Brothers hogged the spotlight in the inter-club players' transfer this season by roping a galaxy of national stars. Although they have to go through the qualification because of their poor finish last year, they will be team to beat.

A total of 21 teams, split into two groups, are taking part in the knockout first phase.

Top two finishers from each group will advance into the final round and join the four semifinalists of last year -- Mohammedan Sporting Club, Abahani Krira Chakra, Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra and Dhanmondi Club.

Brothers have been pencilled in one group with Arambagh Krira Sangha, Bangladesh Army, Prantik Krira Chakra, Dipali Jubo Sangha, Wari Club, Bangladesh Police, Dhaka Wanderers, Farashganj SC and Victoria SC.

The other group comprises Sheikh Russell KC, BRTS SC, Bangladesh Under-20 team, Mahakhali Ekadash, Bangladesh Navy, Sadharan Bima KS, Badda Jagarani Sangsad, Agrani Bank, Bangladesh Air Force, Fakirerpool YMC and Rahmatganj MFS.

The first round matches will also be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.