Defending champions Usha Krira Chakra and Abahani posted big wins in the semi-finals at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium on Monday to advance to the UCB Club Cup Hockey Tournament final for the second straight season. Usha overwhelmed Sonali Bank 5-1 and Abahani thrashed Ajax SC 7-0 to set up a finals rematch on Wednesday. Usha took control of their match early, scoring three goals within 13 minutes courtesy Jahid Bin Talib, Rimon Kumar and Mamunur Rahman Chayan.
Manik pulled one back for Sonali Bank but never got closer than that as Belal Hossain found the net and Chayan scored his second of the match for the three-time champions.
In the other semi-final, Abahani overcame a slow start to open the floodgates and cruise to victory against Ajax. Khorshedur Rahman scored from a penalty corner in the 10th minute, and Deen Islam and Hasan Jubair Niloy added a goal each to make it 3-0 at the break.
Sheikh Mohammad Nannu, Roman Sarker, Pushkor Khisha Mimo and Raihan Uddin added to Ajax’s misery in the second half as two-time champions Abahani booked their seventh finals appearance in nine Club Cup appearances.
-With New Age input
