Dhaka Abahani reached the final of the Federation Cup for a record fifteen times defeating Brothers Union by a solitary goal in the first semi-final at the Kamalapur stadium on Monday.
Midfielder Imtiaz Sultan Jitu netted the all important goal in the 45th minute of the match. Abahani will face the winners of today’s second semi-final match between Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in the final on Friday.
Abahani’s superior ball possession was the key for their success while Brothers conceded the defeat as their Brazilian playmaker Everton failed to spark due to close marking by the Abahani defenders.
After a cautious start by both the teams, Brothers Union were the first to send a chill through their opponent’s spine. Winger Faisal Mahmood dashed down the right and sent a low cross for Cameroonian Bitcha Richards whose flick missed the Abahani crosspiece by a few inches.
Abahani, who survived a possible defeat against Sheikh Russell in the previous match as Samir Omari blasted the spot-kick wide, saw the luck was on their side again when Ennock Bentil hit the side post in the 40th minute. After receiving a Kabir lob Bentil placed the ball past an advancing Abahani goalie Zia only to see it return to Zia’s hands off the side post.
Brothers had hardly absorbed the shock when Imtiaz Sultan Jitu broke the deadlock. Awudu Ibrahim did all the hard work and curled a cross for unmarked Jitu who tapped the ball into the far post.
Abahani decided to turn defensive and concentrated on keeping their fort intact after the break while Brothers Union failed to produce something special to break down Abahani’s defence. Awudu Ibrahim again came close to a strike in the 74th minute but his fierce left-footer whistled past the upright. Bitcha Richards shot straight at Zia in the 78th minute ruining the last effort of Brothers.
Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu said his players kept their cool and availed the chance. ‘Our players were focussed on their responsibilities and utilised the opportunity that came their way,’ said Rupu.
Brothers Union coach Wasim Iqbal was naturally disappointed. ‘It was not our day, we missed scoring opportunities and Everton took too much responsibility and tried alone that ultimately had an adverse effect,’ said Wasim.
