Unconvincing victory for Abahani

Four-time professional league champions Abahani began their King's Cup campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 against Indian regional side Assam Electricity Board at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu yesterday.

Guinean marksman Ismael Bangoura struck the decisive goal in the 19th minute of the match to give a winning start to the Sky Blues, who are making their second appearance in this tournament with a short preparation after assembling almost an entirely new squad for the upcoming season.  

Amalesh Sen's charges lined up in 4-3-3 formation with Bangoura partnered upfront by Wahed Ahmed and Aminur Rahman Sabij and the three-pronged attack posed constant threat in the opposition defence right from the word go.

The Sky Blues took a deserved lead when former BJMC striker Bangoura latched on to a cross from Sajib and bundled the ball home past the Assam Electricity goalkeeper.

However, the Guinean was wasteful ever since as he blasted a spot kick wide off target and headed wide from inside the 12 yards. National striker Wahed also failed to beat the Assam goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation a few minutes before the break.

The Sky Blues had to endure some nervous moments after their veteran midfielder Prantosh Kumar Das was sent off in the 72nd minute, but the ten-man Abahani managed to keep the Assamese outfit at bay to eke out a single-goal win.

Amalesh was happy to start the tournament on a winning note but believed the margin should have been bigger.

“I am happy with the victory. The boys played the match according to my plan and created a lot of scoring chances even if they availed only one,” said Abahani's long-serving coach.

The Sky Blues will play their second match on Tuesday against Bhutanese outfit Ugyen Academy, who were beaten 0-4 by Sheikh Russel KC in the AFC President's Cup group stages earlier this year.