Ctg Abahani in last 8

Chattogram Abahani became the first team to move into the quarterfinals of TVS Federation Cup with a 2-0 win over former champions Brothers Union in their opening match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The outcome of this Group B fixture also ensured last-eight berth for last edition’s runners-up Bashundhara Kings, who will take on the port city outfit on Friday to decide the group winners.

Chattogram Abahani came into season’s curtain-raising tournament after clinching the title of a three-team Mymensingh Challenge tournament and a runners-up trophy in September’s Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup tournament. They proved their superiority over Brothers Union, who came into the tournament on the back of only 10 days of preparation.

The port city side went very close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute but Brazilian Nixon Brizolara saw his left-footed shot superbly fisted by goalkeeper Titumir Chowdhury before defender Sajol denied Uzbek midfielder Shukur Ali with a goal-line clearance.

Chattogram Abahani broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Nixon flicked home a low cross from Rakib Hossain from the right flank.

After resumption, Brothers’ Uzbek forward Jonov Otabek rattled the post before Chattogram Abahani’s Ivorian forward Chinedu Mathew sealed the victory in the 83rd minute with a powerful left-footed shot.   

“We are happy to accomplish our first target of qualifying for the quarterfinals. We are now looking forward to emerging group champions and take it to the final from there,” Chattogram Abahani coach Maruful Haque said at post-match conference.

Brothers Union coach Mohidur Rahman Miraz said, “Every defeat is sad but we are happy with the performance of the boys because we have been checking out our weak and strong points through Federation Cup ahead of upcoming Bangladesh Premier League.” 

In the day’s other match, Rahmatganj MFS played out a 1-1 draw against three-time champions Sheikh Jamal DC to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals alive with two points from two outings.

Sheikh Jamal and Saif SC are on one point each after having played one match each. If the match between Sheikh Jamal and Saif SC produce any outright result, Rahmatganj will be the second team from Group C to book a berth for quarterfinals.

After a barren first half, Rahmatganj took the lead in the 61st minute through a strike from Camara Younoussa before Nigerian forward Monday Osagie equalised for Sheikh Jamal in the 76th minute.

“It was a do-or-die match for us because we needed points to keep our hopes alive. We could have ensured the quarterfinals had we secured full three points. Anyway, we are still hopeful of advancing to the last eight though it depends on the outcomes of last match between Sheikh Jamal and Saif SC,” said Rahmatganj MFS coach Syed Golam Jilani.

“It was important for us to come back in the match. I am happy with the performance of the boys in the season’s first competitive match and I’m looking forward to the next match to qualify for the quarterfinals,” said Sheikh Jamal coach Shafiqul Islam Manik.