Former Champions Sheikh Jamal Dhabmondi Club assured the knock out stage from Group A of the 35th edition of the Federation Cup Football, outplaying Rahmatganj MFS by 4-1 goals in their first appearance at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka on Tuesday.

They comfortably dominated the first half by 2–0 goals. 

Local striker Foysal Ahmed Fahim struck twice for Sheikh Jamal DC in the 32nd and 90+3 minutes, Nigerian forward Augustine Dimgba and local forward Sazzad Hossain netted the remaining two goals in the 19th and 86th minutes respectively. 

Gambian forward Dawda Ceesay scored the consolation goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj in the 90+2 minute from a penalty.

Another former champion Sheikh Russel KC made a frustrating start in a Group C of the Federation Cup, losing to Fortis FC by 1-3 goals at the Bir Shreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj Tuesday afternoon. 

Gambian striker Omar Babou struck twice in the 10th (penalty) and 72nd minutes while Hakim Bappy netted the other goal for Fortis FC in the 51st minute.

Burundi forward Landy scored the lone goal for Sheikh Russel KC in the 69th minute.

In the next Federation Cup matches, Dhaka Abahani Ltd will face Chittagong Abahani Ltd at the Basundhara Kings Arena, while holders Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Brothers Union Club at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj on Tuesday (Jan 30).