Belfort strike seals thriller

A stoppage time strike from Haitian marksman Kervens Fils Belfort helped holders Abahani advance to the Walton Federation Cup semifinals with a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Arambagh KS at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Belfort flicked a diving header off defender Tapu Barman home three minutes into the second half stoppage time after substitute Nabib Newaj Jibon released a low free-kick from the left flank, sealing the victory.

The match was an entertaining one though with Arambagh taking the lead against the run of play in the eighth minute when Shahriar Bappy drove an angular shot into the far post from outside the box after Nigerian Paul Emile chested down a Chinedu Mathew chip to cut it back for Bappy.

Abahani then equalised on the half-hour mark through Nigerian Sunday Chizoba.

Three minutes later, Arambagh restored their lead as Uzbek Iqbaljon Normatovich converted from the spot after Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel brought down Bappy. Eleven minutes later, midfielder Sohel Rana hammered in a stunning shot from 25 yards out to bring Abahani back into the game.  

The match was however marred by the Arambagh KS supporting staffers' attack on assistant referee Harun-Ur-Rashid after the final whistle. Arambagh claimed the goal by Belfort was off-side.