Depleted Abahani edge past Police

A last-gasp goal from Belfort Kervens helped Abahani edge Bangladesh Police FC 1-0 in their opening match of Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Six-time Premier League champions Abahani had dropped points in their first match of the league season five times in the past 11 editions and the trouble-hit side were rescued from one of their worst performances before Haitian striker Belfort struck a winner in the 85th minute.

Abahani dominated from the start despite struggling with players missing through Covid-19, injuries and suspension, but lacked bite in the attacking third but Police goalkeeper Mohammad Nehal's fumble handed Abahani a goal.

Mario Lemos was forced to make the positional changes as four of his regular starting eleven were missing but those changes led to Abahani struggling to break down the defence.

Forward Nabib Newaj Jibon and Brazil's Francisco Wagsley Rodrigues mustered a few shot on target but largely failed to threaten while Police goalkeeper Nehal made a couple of good saves.

Abahani started penetrating in the second half after winger winger Rubel Mia, having recovered from Covid-19, came on in place of Mamunul Islam in the latter part of second half. Rubel kept beating opposing defenders with his pace and delivered good crosses from the right flank.

Afghanistan's Masih Saighani was denied in the 80th minute by Nehal, but he made a big mistake as he fumbled his attempt to grip another cross from Rubel. The ball fell to an unmarked Belfort, who tapped home at the second time of asking in the 85th minute after the first shot was parried by a defender.

Bangladesh Police came close to pulling a goal back two minutes later but luck was not on their side and a powerful left-footer from Kyrgyz midfielder Murolimzhon Akhmedov came off the crossbar before a Lancine Toure header went narrowly wide of the post in stoppage time.

"I don't believe in bad luck, but we had lot of injured players through Covid and suspension and it was a really tough match against an organised team. We had more possession but we were missing the last pass in the attacking third and a little of speed and aggressiveness," said Abahani coach Lemos. "If you don't score early against the teams like Police, Muktijoddha and Rahmatganj, then it is very difficult to handle them. Today we luckily got the goal and secured full three points."

"Police are a new team, who today lost to a strong team but I am satisfied with the performances of the boys, who I believe will play better football in coming days," said Police FC's Sri Lankan coach Packer Ali.