Defending champions Abahani emerged Group C champions to move into the quarterfinals of the Walton U-18 Football Tournament after handing a massive 5-1 defeat to archrivals Mohammedan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Abahani, who had played out a goalless draw against Bashundhara Kings in their opening match, dominated the match to take a 3-0 first-half lead before adding two more goals in the second half, thanks to a hattrick from Iqbal, who scored in the 17th, 58th and 68th minutes.

Rakib and Sakir netted in the 24th and 28th minutes respectively. Imran reduced the margin for Mohammedan in the 43rd minute. 

In Group B, Arambagh beat Sheikh Jamal 1-0 to become group champions, leaving Sheikh Jamal behind them as both teams came into the match after confirming their quarterfinal berths following wins over Rahmatganj.

Rahul Talukdar scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.