Dhaka- A late own goal by Brazilian defender Wellington Priori forced Bangladesh Professional Football League champions Dhaka Abahani Limited to concede a 0-1 defeat against former Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC in their third Group E match of the AFC Cup’2019 at the Arena Stadium in Ahmedabad in India on Tuesday.
Dhaka Abahani was enough unlucky in the day’s match as an attempt of Aniruddha Thapa of Chennaiyin FC kissed the Abahani net hitting the Brazilian defender Wellington Priori in the 79th minute of the match to frustrate the Bangladeshi giants.
With the day’s first defeat in their 3rd group matches, Dhaka Anahani went to the 2nd slot in the four-team group securing pour points from three matches with one win, one draw and one losses while Channaiyin FC comfortably dominated the group with an unbeaten run securing seven points from three matches with two win and draw.
Dhaka Abahani partly dominated the match against the host team, especially in the first half, but failed to take lead despite of some close calls.
Dhaka Abahani Football team, comprising 20 booter and 12 officials, which reached Ahmadabad Saturday afternoon without their key booter Sunday Chizoba for visa problems, Tuesday joined the team and played for Abahani in the 2nd half.s The six-time Bangladesh Professional Football league champions started their AFC Cup campaign beating Nepalese champions Manang Marshyangdi Club by 1-0 goal in their away match in Kathmandu on April 3, but played to 2-2 draw with Minerva Punjab of India in Dhaka on April 17.
On the other hand, former Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC drew with their compatriots Minerva Punjab in the opener on April 3 and defeated Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal by 2-0 goals on April 17 at the Arena Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In the next match, Dhaka Abahani will play meet Chennaiyin FC again in their home match on May 15 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka while Minerva Punjab will host Manang Marshyangdi at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on May 1.
Minerva Punjab have earned two points from their two consecutive draw while Manang Marshyangdi yet to open the account after suffering two successive defeats.UNB
