The final of the eight-team event, which began in this Pakistani port city on December 7, will kick off at 7pm (Bangladesh time) at the People's Sports Complex Stadium. Pakistani Prime Minister Shawkat Aziz is expected to witness the 'battle royale' between the two best teams of the Saarc region as chief guest.

While the Bangladesh tent looked confident to retain their title ahead of the final, two-time winners India also vowed to recover their pride as the most successful team among their neighbours.

India have not won any title since their 1999 SAFF Championship triumph at home when they beat Bangladesh 2-0 in Goa. However, the history of finals will speak for India as they have won all three previous meetings against Bangladesh -- in tiebreaker at the 1985 SAF Games final in Dhaka, by a solitary goal in the Madras SAF Games in 1995 and again four years later.

Team Bangladesh, however, are not only the holders of the title but also won the SAF Games title in Kathmandu in 1999, when the national teams last played in the regional Games. They would also take inspiration from their 1-1 draw against India in the group stage last week despite fielding the whole reserve bench.

Under Argentine coach Diego Cruciani they have already earned opposition's respect inside two months and the local fans are expected to back Arif Khan Joy and company against Baichung Bhutia's men.

Bangladesh were forced to wear their second-choice all-white jersey for the three group matches but having beaten Pakistan 1-0 in the semifinal wearing the same, they have decided to stick to their lucky outfit for the finale also.

The champions will pocket a purse of 50,000 dollars and the runners-up 25,000. Bangladesh have already won Tk 3 lakh as bonus from the Bangladesh Football Federation for reaching the final.