DHAKA – Chattogram Abahani Limited as the first team stormed into the semifinal of the Federation Cup Football beating Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra by 2-0 goals in the first quarterfinal held today at Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
In the day’s proceeding, midfielders Rakib Hossain and Mannaf Rabbi scored one goal each for Abahani in the extra time after both the teams failed to score any goal in the regulation time.
After the regulation time, the port city team came to the field with more organised way and scored two goals in a span of six minutes.
Rakib finally broke the deadlock scoring the first goal in the 107th minute giving his side a deserving lead from an eye catching goal while Mannaf Rabby sealed the victory scoring the second goal for Chattogram Abahani in the 113th minute of the match.
Chattogram Abahani’s goalkeeper Mohammad Nayeem was given the man of the match award for his impressive performance under the bar as he saved a spot kick in the regulation time.
Sheikh Russel were awarded a spot kick in the 60th minute which was a huge opportunity for any team in such an important match, but Brazilian forward Giancarlo Rodrigues could not utilize the advantage of that opportunity as Chittagong Abahani goalkeeper Nayeem blocked his attempt.
Sheikh Russel KC’s forward Toklis Ahmed was shown direct red card for his unsporting behavior in the dying moment of the match. It was the first red card in the tournament.
Earlier, in the group phase matches, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra got off to a winning start with a solitary goal victory over Bangladesh Police Football Club in the group opening match and ensured their spot of quarterfinal as group A champions beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 3-2 goals in their second and last group match.
On the other hand, Chattogram Abahani Limited also made a winning start in the meet with a solitary goal victory over old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society but they lost the second group match to group champions Bashundhara Kings also by the same identical margin of 1-0 goal to finished group C runners-up.
Saturday’s match: Saif Sporting Club vs Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited at 4 pm.BSS
