Abahani to leave for India Saturday morning

Bangladesh Premier League champion Abahani Limited will leave here for Ahmedabad, India Saturday morning, ahead of their AFC Cup match against Chennaiyin FC, scheduled for Tuesday at The Arena.

However, the Abahani coaching staff, led by head coach Mario Lemos, has already departed for India Friday evening.

The Sky Blues have four points so far from two matches in Group E.

The Dhanmondi outfit began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Nepalese outfit Manang Marsiangdi before drawing 2-2 with Indian side Minerva Punjab, despite trailing twice.

In their bid to progress from the group stage for the first time in the competition’s history, Abahani received a setback as their prolific goalscorer, Nigerian Sunday Chizoba was denied a visa.

Abahani Limited made a dream start in the AFC Cup as they clinched a creditable away victory when they beat Nepalese side Manang Marshyangdi Club Wednesday in Lalitpur.https://t.co/OTLyv5nFED#ABAHANI #ABAHANILIMITED #AFCCUP #AFC #FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #BFF

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 3, 2019

The Sky Blues therefore, will leave for India with three foreign footballers.

Lemos and manager Satyajit Das Rupu lamented the loss of Sunday but said they will nevertheless target three points against Chennaiyin.

Abahani will also miss the service of defender Tapu Barman, while Tutul Hossain Badshah is also doubtful.

Young forward Saad Uddin though has recovered from injury after a long layoff.