Last year, Abahani threw away a five-point lead in the last two matches to share the Premier Hockey League title with Usha Krira Chakra.

Both Abahani and Usha were level after (he firs( leg bu( as the organisers failed to complete the Super League, they announced the two joint-champions on the basis of the first-leg points.

This time around, Usha - on 33 points after 12 rounds - are stepping in the shoes of Abahani, who are two points adrift. Having started the Super League with a 5-point advantage, Usha look uncertain to retain the title before today's clash against Abahani in the league finale.

Usha, whose 3-2 defeat to Mohammedan — the old-Dhaka outfit's first loss in the competition after 11 straight wins -- put Abahani back in the title race, are in a slightly better position though as they can afford a draw.

For Abahani, its a must win situation.

Still, the two teams will go for the maximum as soon as the virtual final kicks off at the Maulana Bhasani National Stadium at 4 pm.

Usha's Pakistani coach Rana Jahir, who has already earned fame as a master tactician, knows that thoughts of a draw can bring disaster.

"Hockey is a such a game where two goals cane be scored in one minute. No one can go to the pitch with a target of draw, especially in a big match," said Jahir on the eve of the match.

"I feel that the loss to Mohammedan has made a negative impact on the team and I have been trying to inspire them. They must believe that they have the capability to beat Abahani twice," said Jahir whose side defeated Abahani 4-2 in the first-leg.

"Our only headache is our defensive weaknesses. The only option for us to make up is to utilise the chances we get."

Abahani have similar trouble and their leaky backline, after the defeat to Usha, conceded five goals

to Mohammedan in their last match before winning by the minimum margin.

With ace defender Khokon still injured, the sky-blues flew in Pakistani international back Kashif Ali for the game. He will forma trio of defence with K .okon and penalty corner specialist Chayan, the league top-scorer with 14 goals including three against Mohammedan earlier this week.

The key to Abahani would be neutralising Usha's Pakistani playmaker Akhter Ali, who shaped their victory against Abahani sin-gled-handed but never looked comfortable under Mohammedan's man-marking.

"Yes, we have a plan for Akhter. We will not give him space, like we blocked Mohammedan's Sabbir," said Abahani coach Mahbub Harun.

"Kashif has played in the Asiad and his presence will give us defensive solidity. Still, we have to give our 100 percent to utilise the chance created for us after Usha's defeat to Mohammedan and our win against the same side," added the former national captain.