Abahani finish with a bang

Having failed to clinch a second hattrick title in the Bangladesh Premier League, Abahani made sure they finished with a runners-up trophy after handing Sheikh Jamal DC a massive 4-1 defeat in their last match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Abahani, who took home the first three trophies of the professional football league, were on course for their second hattrick after winning the last two editions, but they were derailed from the race after being beaten by Bashundhara Kings and Sheikh Russel KC in the first leg. And the six-time champions never recovered from those defeats and had to be satisfied with their second runners-up finish, the first one since the seventh edition in 2013-14.

The 19th win in 24 matches means Abahani finished their campaign with 58 points, four less than already-champions Bashundhara, who still have a match in hand. 

Abahani came into the match after Bashundhara Kings ensured their title on debut season in the previous round, and the Sky Blues just hammered on Sheikh Jamal DC to finish on a high note ahead of their AFC Cup inter-zonal final against April 25 in August.

Nabib Newaj Jibon scored twice while Sunday Chizoba and Sohel Rana scored one apiece for the Sky Blues, who had defender Mamun Mia scoring an own goal to help reduce the margin for Sheikh Jamal, who are at sixth position with 27 points from 23 matches.

Away at the Sylhet District Stadium, visitors Rahmatganj MFS held Sheikh Russel KC to a 2-2 draw. Raphael Odoyin scored twice for Sheikh Russel while Faisal Ahmed and Siyo Zunapio netted for Rahmatganj MFS, who are in 10th position with 21 points from 23 matches. Sheikh Russel are in third position with 49 points from 23 matches.