Dhaka – Bangladesh Premier League and Federation Cup Football champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will take on New Radiant Club of the Maldives in their opening group match of the AFC Cup Football 2018 at Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Wednesday with a hope to win the match displaying a good football.The match will kick off at 4:15 pm local time at the country’s premier sports venue.Addressing a pre-match press conference at the BFF House on Tuesday, newly appointed Head Coach of Abahani Ltd Saiful Bari Tito said, “We’re stronger and more balanced team than that of the Maldives and we’re confident of winning the match playing a good football.”Ahead of the AFC Cup campaign, Abahani skipper Mamun Miah said, “Our target is to play in the final round after winning the four-team group matches.”Dhaka Abahani will miss their reliable booter Emon Mahmud due to injury and mainly defend on their four foreign booters.National booter-studded New Radiant Club of the Maldives, which arrived in the capital on Sunday, are very much optimistic about winning the match depending on famed booter Ali Ashraf.New Radiant Coach Oskar and Vice-captain Aku said, “The match against Abahani will be keenly contested and we’re optimistic about winning it playing our best football.”Football fans may collect free tickets for the match from Abahani Limited.Earlier, another Bangladesh team Saif Sporting made their early exit from the AFC meet in the play-off stage.UNB news agency
