Dhaka, May 13: Newcomers Saif
Sporting Club held reigning champions Dhaka Abahani to a 1-1 draw in the inaugural
match of the Walton Federation Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on
Saturday.
Both the side had to play with ten men in the first half following dismissals
and that forced the two teams to cut their attacking plans to defend the lines.
In the 13th minute Abahani skipper Mamun Miah and Saif defender Topu Barman
both were sent–off after kicking each other over a foul regarding other
players.
Two minutes later Saif’s Columbian forward Valencia Olay’s header on a cross of
winger Jewel Rana missed the crosspiece by a whisker.
Abahani hit back in the 43rd minute and it was young forward Md. Saaduddin who
tested Saf goalie Anisur Rahman Ziko with cracking grounder. Saif’s Ziko proved
to be handy and saved the shot with quick reflexes.
The deadlock was broken by Abahani’s
Nigerian forward Emeka Darlington as a header from him landed in the far post
net beating the outstretched hand of Ziko.
However Saif restored the parity in the 69th minute when forward Md. Ibrahim
kept his cool to flick a neat cross of Jewel Rana past Abahani goalie Sohel.
Saif dominated the later part of
the game but Abahani’s defensive approach saw the match end in a tie.
BFF Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedy inaugurated the tournament as
the chief guest. Walton additional director F.M. Iqbal bin Anwar Dawn was
present as the special guest on the occasion.
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