Dhaka, July 28: Reigning champions Abahani Ltd. Dhaka started their premier league 2017 journey with an exciting 3-2 win against newcomers Saif Sporting Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.

The ‘Siaf Power Battery Bangladesh Premier League 2017-18’ saw the first goal of the season from the Nigerian forward Emeka Darlington of the sky-blue brigade, beating Saif SC goalkeeper Waly Faisal through the middle of the net in the 21st minute (1-0).

Just seven minutes later Darlington was on target again, as a penalty was flagged after Abahani forward Saaduddin was tackled down in the penalty box, giving Abahani the lead (2-0).

Former Abahani member, defender Topu Barman pulled one back for Saif Sporting in the added minutes of the first half as Abahani defender Raihan Hasan failed to clear a low cross of Jamal Bhuiyan and Topu saw his header land into the Abahani net (2-1).

Substitute forward Jewel Rana who also left Abahani in the players transfers restored the parity in the 49th minute of the game. Rana’s rightly timed spot jump led to a perfect header from a cross of Rahimuddin, giving Saif SC the chance to fight back (2-2).

In an interesting turn out of events, six minutes ahead of the final whistle Abahani forward Nasiruddin struck the winning goal. The power packed long throw of Raihan Hasan Nasir’s, hit the back of the net from Nasiruddin’s fast header, giving Abahani an well fought victory (3-2).