Dhaka – Chittagong Abahani Limited booked their first-ever final berth in the KFC Independence Cup Football eliminating Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra by 4-2 goals in tie-breaker at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Wednesday.The 2nd semifinal between of the tournament was locked in 1-1 goal in the stipulated time and also in the extra time.Chittagong Abahani Ltd will play Dhaka Abahani Ltd in the all-Abahani final on Saturday at 5:30 pm at the same venue.In the penalty shootout, Janaby, Uduka, Leonel and Zahid scored for Chittagong Abahani while Fikru and Valery scored for Sheikh Russel KC
while Mithun and Shahed missed chances.Ethiopian forward Fikru Teferra put Sheikh Russel KC ahead in the injury time of the first by a good header when a grounder of Shakhawat Rony from the left edge of the box came his way and slipped from the gloves of Abahani goalie Ashraful Islam Rana (1-0).Unmarked midfielder Rubel Mia leveled the margin for Chittagong Abahani in the 66th minute by tapping the ball home, utilising a low cross of Haitian forward Leonel Praux from middle of the box (1-1).Earlier in the 15th minute, Shahedul Alam Shahed narrowly missed the target off a Monaem Khan Raju curved a low cross, came his way from Fikru Teffea. Medio Kawshik Barua spoiled a good opportunity for Ctg Abahani in the 42nd minute for unnecessary delay in shooting despite beating Sheikh Russel defenders and onrushing goalie Mahmud Liton.Abahani custodian Rana saved his castle brilliantly in the 80th after foiling a good placing shot of Fikru Teferra, off a Shahedul Alam Shahed pass. (UNB)
