Abahani's humble exit
Four-time professional league champions Abahani were eliminated from the King's Cup after suffering a 0-2 defeat against I-League side Pune FC in their last match of Group B at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, yesterday.
The second defeat in four matches for meant Abahani finished the tournament with four points, three behind Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal who qualified as runners-up from the group alongside group champions Pune FC, who have won all four of their matches.
Abahani's exit leaves Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club as the lone representative from Bangladesh in this nine-team tournament. The Bangladesh Premier League champions will take on Mohun Bagan tomorrow where a single point would see them through.
It was expected that Abahani would fall short of their 2004 feat when they reached the semifinals of this tournament as they left themselves requiring a five-goal margin win over one of the tournament favourites. Realistically, the Sky Blues were looking forward to ending the tournament with some pride salvaged, but they could hardly improve their performance rather they conceded two goals in the last six minutes to complete a miserable campaign in Bhutan.
Pune FC's young midfielder Fanai Lalrempuia broke the deadlock in the 84th minute with a sublime free-kick from 25 yards out before veteran defender Luciano Sabrosa struck from the spot two minutes from time to ensure Abahani's humble exit.
Comments