Holder Dhaka Abahani Limited advanced to the semi-finals of the 2017 Walton Federation Cup after beating Brothers Union comfortably 2-1 in the third quarter-final at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.
The five-time professional league winner, also the current top-flight champion, will face neighbour Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the second semi-final next Saturday.
Young local striker Nabib Newaj Jibon put Abahani ahead in the first half while Rubel Miah doubled the lead in the second half. Siyo Zunapio’s last-gasp goal only proved to be a consolation for the Gopibagh outfit.
The victory, as well as the semi-final berth, gave the Sky Blues a big boost ahead of their sixth and last match of the 2017 AFC Cup group stage, scheduled to be held on Wednesday. They will host Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan in Dhaka.
Like the previous match, Abahani started with Ghanaian veteran defender Samad Yussif in the starting XI, leaving Nigerian striker Emeka Darlington on the bench. They dominated the game from the very beginning.
Jibon squandered a golden opportunity in the 20th minute when the national striker failed to control a Rubel cross from the right flank. However, he sent the ball wide from the six-yard box.
In the 33rd minute, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury tried his luck with a powerful strike from the edge of the box but it flew over the crossbar.
Jibon rectified his early mistake with a brilliant goal in the 43rd minute. Sohel Rana provided a lovely ball from the left flank as Jibon outwitted his markers inside the box with a quick move before tapping home into the near post with a cool finish.
It was Jibon again who provided inspiration in the 55th minute when he headed the ball over the bar from only four yards away following a headed pass from Nasir on a Emon Babu corner.
The Sky Blues extended their lead in the 79th minute through Rubel.
Siyo pulled one back moments before the final whistle when the Congolese forward’s curved free-kick from just outside the box entered home into the right side.
Meanwhile in the last quarter-final of the tournament on Saturday at the same venue, Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra will take on Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society at 6pm.
The winner will play Chittagong Abahani in the first semi-final on Friday.RESULTAbahani 2 (Jibon43, Rubel 79) 1 Brothers (Siyo)
SATURDAY'S QUARTER-FINALRahmatganj v Muktijoddha, 6pm, BNS
Thursday, April 25, 2024
