Abahani ensure runners-up spot

After Bashundhara Kings clinched the Bangladesh Premier League title for the third time in a row on Monday, Abahani ensured a second-place finish in the league with a commanding 5-0 win over Sheikh Jamal DC at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla yesterday.

Abahani confirmed their runners-up position with two matches in hand. With 44 points from 20 matches, Abahani are now out of reach for Saif SC and Sheikh Jamal DC, both of whom have 34 points each and only two matches left to play.

Abahani started the season on a high note by winning the Independence Cup and the Federation Cup. The Sky Blues were heavily tipped to be only the second team after Sheikh Russel KC to win a treble in a season. 

However, inconsistent performances in the league saw the Dhanmondi-based outfit fall behind the title race and eventually stay content with their third runners-up place finish in 13 seasons.

With the pressure of fighting for the title non-existent, Abahani were ruthless, putting five past three-time champions Sheikh Jamal.

Emon Mahmud gave Abahani the lead in the sixth minute before Raphael Augusto doubled the margin with a header in the 39th minute. Daniel Colindres then struck the third goal just before halftime while Nabib Newaj Jibon struck two goals in the 77th and 82nd minutes to complete the route.