This years league cup continues, under the sponsorship of Premier Sports, with the regionalised league format.
Clubs are awarded the usual three points for a win but all drawn games in the group stage go straight to penalties - the shoot-out winners receive a bonus point. ie three points for a win, two points for a shoot-out win and one point for losing on penalties.
The eight group winners and four best runners-up progress to the second round, where they are joined by the four clubs competing in Europe.
The tournament reverts to a traditional knock-out format from the second round onwards, with ties decided by extra time and penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
1st Round