Abahani Limited produced a superb display to lift the title of the Walton Metropolis Women’s Football League with a 3-1 win over arch rivals Dhaka Mohammedan in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.Mohammedan, who stormed into the final with a number of fine performances, had to absorb the shock of losing in the two consecutive finals as they lost to Sheikh Jamal in the previous edition.
However, it was an overall euphoria for the Sky Blue outfits whose joy knew no bounds while they celebrated the title in their very first appearance in the meet.
Abahani were clearly the better side among the two with their tactics, teamwork and concentration. They closely marked Mohammedan’s attacking lynchpin Sabina Khatun that saw the Black and White lose their biting edge.
Their quick counterattacks created the loopholes in their opponents defence and in consequence, Abahani scored three goals to stamp the difference.
Aung Mra Ching Marma put Abahani ahead in the 3rd minute with a chip over the advancing Mohammedan goalie Moli after the wily forward intercepted a ball from a Mohammedan defender.
Mohammedan piled up pressure and reaped the fruit in the 21st minute when forward Lizu restored the parity with a fine left-footed volley on a cross of midfielder Mukta.
However, in the 35th minute, Abahani took the lead again through their right winger Suraiya Khatun whose diving header following a cross of Mainu Marma crashed into the near post.
Sabina Khatun of Mohammedan squandered an opportunity to level the margin in the 42nd minute when her shot missed the post having one-on-one situation with Abahani goalie Sabina Akter.
Abahani skipper Suinu Pru Marma sealed the victory for Abahani in the 75th minute with a long-range free kick from the midfield and Mohammedan goalie Moli misjudged the flight and was hapless when it bounced into the net.
Sabina Khatun was adjudged the best player of the League while Aung Mra Ching Marma of Abahani became the highest scorer of the league with 29 goals. Arambagh Krira Sangha were awarded with “Fair Play Trophy.”
Director General of BTV M Hamid was present as chief guest and distributed the prizes among the winners. Senior Deputy Director of RB Group Iqbal Bin Anowar was present as special guest. BFF Women Wing Deputy Chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron, BFF General Secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag and other officials of BFF and Walton were also present on the occasion.
(Source: Agencies)
