Abahani in semis
Dhaka, 19 June 2016: Abahani Limited stormed into semis in the Walton
Federation Cup with a hard working 2-1 victory over Brothers Union Limited at
the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday.
In the very second minute of the match Abahani’s English midfielder
Lee Tuck swung a free kick from the right flank and forward Nabib Newaz Jibon
carved out a powerful header to see Brothers goalie Uttam Barua punch it for a
corner.
In the 9th minute Abahani came close again but lacked the finishing
touch. Midfielder Emon Babu cut a nice through pass to Lee Tuck who found Uttam
on a one to one situation, however Lee took too much time allowing Uttam to
close the gap and Lee put the ball straight into the lap of Uttam.
Brothers also fought their way back in the 27th minute, Haitian
forward Augustine Walson after a combined attack saw his first effort saved by
the outstretched foot of goalie Sohel and the rebounder whistle past the
sidepost.
In the 30th minute Brothes missed the easiest chance of game when
Augustine Walson’s low cross split the Abahani defence and Mannaf Rabbi failed
to tap the ball into the empty net.
However it was Brothers who took the lead in the 36th minute when
midfielder Shofikul Islam Shofi floated
a cross to Walson at the middle of the box and the Haitian showed a super
balance to place the ball into the near post with an angular right footer (1-0)
Walson threatened to seal the fate of the match in the 39th minute
with a long range effort but Abahani goalie Sohel pulled out a nice save
denying the Haitian for a corner.
Abahani restored the parity in the 69th minute with Lee Tuck curving a
corner from the left hand flag, Nabib Newaz Jibon headed the ball towards Jewel
Ran who kept his cool to place the ball into the far post net (1-1)
Sunday Chizoba headed the winner for Abahani in the 80th minute when
his header on a cross of Lee Tuck crossed the goalline despite the diving
effort of defender Abbas Inusah.(2-1)
Abahani will play semifinal against Sheikh Russel KC on Friday next.