Abahani secure semis slot
Dhaka, 23 April 2016: Abahani Limited, Dhaka moved into semifinals beating Sheikh Russel KC 1-0 in the Group B match of KFC Independence Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.
Fikru Teferra, the Ethiopian forward of Sk. Russel made his way into the defence of Abahani in the 26th minute, however a precise tackle of Mamun Mia saw Fikru lose the control of the ball.
In the 40 minute Faisal Mahmud curved a neat cross that was placed by Senegalese forward Camara Sarra but Russel goalie Rasel Mahmud Liton pulled out an excellent save fisting the ball for corner.
Abahani English forward Lee tuck cut a Deeping free kick from 25 yards out, Rasel Mahmus Liton again save his team with diving save in the 68th minute.
Sunday squandered an easy chance in the 69th minute to move ahead when the Nigerian forward shot over the crosspiece.
However, in the 72nd minute Abahani took the lead to forward Jewel Rana. Camara Sarra made the way for Jewel Rana at the top of the box, Jewel Rana sped past his marker and hit the back of the net with a grounder. (1-0)
With the win Dhaka Abahani confirmed semifinal slot as group B runners up with 9 points from 5 matches while Sheik Russel finished as group B Champion with 10 points from 5 matches.
Group A champion Sheikh Jamal will meet Group B Runner-up Dhaka Abahani in the first semifinal on 3rd May 2016 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Group B Champion Sheik Russel will face Group A Runners-up Chittagong Abahani in the second semifinal on 4th May 2016 at same stadium.