Dhaka, Oct 20: Two goals in discrete halfs by Pranotosh Kumar Das and Habibur Rahman Shohag brought Dhaka Abahani Limited, their first win in Grameenphone Federation Cup at the Birsreshtha Shahid Sipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium, Kamalapur today.
After this 2-0 win over Rahmatganj, now the sky blues are in the top of the Group A table with 4 points while Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra have 2 points each in their tally, as they played a goalless draw earlier at the same venue.
Rahmatganj, the other group A team is at the bottom with a lone point.
Abahani dominated their day’s challengers throughout the match and their strong backline led by Ghanaian right back Samad Yussif ensured the safety of the professional league title holders’ net.
An early assault by Pranotosh in the20th minute gave his side the much desired lead. Pranotosh headed home the rebound while a corner kick by Imtiaj Sultan deflected on the cross piece.
In the 60th minute, the old Dhaka side’s Guinean striker Paul Mcjames attempted on the target with a long ranger but his shot missed the target for a whisker.
Habibur Rahman shohag who replaced Imtiaz at the beginning of the second half found the back of the net from a set piece in the 62nd minute.
Abahanie’s last match’s rescuer Ntim Twum Prank found his rival goalie in an one on one situation but failed to beat an onrushing Iran Sheikh.
Earlier, star studded Sheikh Jamal played their second consecutive draw against last season’s Bangladesh League 3rd placed team Sheikh Russel. It was competition’s second draw for Sheikh Russel as well.