Abahani Limited confirmd their quarter-final berth of the ongoing Federation Cup as champions of group D when they beat Muktijoddha Sangshad by 2-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.
Abahani’s two foreign recruits – Afghan defender Masih Saighani and Haitian forward Krevens Belfort scored one each in either half of the match to seal the win for sky blues.
Abahani, who beat Mohammedan Sporting Club in their first match, thus have the full six points from group stage and the result also ensured their arch-rivals’ place in the quarter final. Abahani will face Uttar Baridhara while Mohammedan will meet Saif Sporting.
Muktijoddha, who struggled to form team for financial constraints before the tournament, got their new Malaysian coach Raja Isa in the dugout but it was all a one-sided domination from the men in sky blues.
However, it took 29 minutes to break the deadlock when Saighani drove a powerful left foot shoot to beat goalkeeper Nurul Karim. Abahani skipper Nabib Newz Jibon squandered two more opportunities in next few minutes before Karim saved a Saighani header by his fingertips.
On 69th minute Belfort headed home a Jibon cross for the second goal but 15 minutes later Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel punched a free-kick straight to Rohit Sarker who scored to reduce the margin for Muktis.
Later on the day, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 3-2 in the same venue. Russel’s Sayovush Asrorov, Ugochukwu Obi Moneke and Toklis Ahmed scored three goals in the 6th, 39th and 59th minutes respectively while Jamal’s Sulayman SIlah scored in the 49th and 90th minute from spot kicks.
