Kolkata, Aug 13 (IANS) Seven teams from various states will lock horns in the preliminary phase of the Federation Cup football tournament which kicks off here Sep 8.

The teams have been divided into two groups, with the top side from each group qualifying for the final phase of the competition slated to be played simultaneously here and in Pune.

An All India Football Federation release said the qualifying phase comprises of teams that had earlier qualified for the final round of the second division league and one relegated team from the last edition of the I-League.

The final of the tournament - considered as the national club knockout challenge - will be played in Kolkata Sep 30.

Following is the fixture for the preliminary phase of the Federation Cup:

Group A: Mohammedan Sporting, Vasco SC, Ar-Hima.
Group B: Southern Samity, United Sikkim Football Club, Royal Wahingdoh, ONGC.

The Fixture:

Sep 8: Mohammedan Sporting vs Ar-Hima
Sep 9: Southern Samity vs Royal Wahingdoh
Sep 9: United Sikkim Football Club vs ONGC
Sep 10: Ar-Hima vs Vasco SC
Sep 11: Royal Wahingdoh vs United Sikkim Football Club
Sep 11: ONGC vs Southern Samity
Sep 12: Vasco vs Mohammedan Sporting
Sep 13: Royal Wahingdoh vs ONGC, United Sikkim Football Club vs Southern Samity.