Abahani Limited are just a point away from securing the runners-up spot in the Bangladesh Premier League after their thumping 5-2 win over Sheikh Russell KC at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday. Abahani’s Ghanian player Osei Morrison was the star of the show as the striker grabbed his maiden hat-trick of the league. Morrison struggled with his form in the middle of the league when he remained goalless for 14 matches, but found his touch in the third round by scoring nine goals in eight games.
Abahani, who lost their hope of clinching the title after losing their previous match to new champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, took the lead in the 10th minute when Morrison’s sliding header off an Atiqur Rahman Meshu cross from the right hit the back of the net.
Russell levelled the margin just seven minutes later through Shakil Ahmed as the unmarked left-winger volleyed home a low cross from Sumon.
Abahani took the lead again in the 24th minute when another Ghanaian forward Awudu Ibrahim struck from inside the box.
Morrison, however, netted the third for his team in the 39th minute after Shahedul Alam Shahed’s shot was blocked by Biplob and the Ghanaian tapped in the rebound.
Shahed made the margin 4-1 four minutes into the second half, receiving a cut-back from Suares, Morrison rolled the ball to Shahed, who made no mistake.
Morrison completed his first hat-trick of the season in the 61st minute as the Ghanaian striker received a cross from Waly Faisal with his chest and placed the ball into the far post from the six-yard box.
Sohel Rana reduced the margin to 5-2 two minutes from time, placing the ball past Abahani keeper Sultan following a cross from Bappi Hasan Murad.
With the win, Abahani kept their second position secured with 49 points from 26 matches while Russell remained in sixth place with 32 points from the same number of matches.
Elsewhere, Chittagong Abahani managed another 1-0 win against Team BJMC at their home venue MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. Osman Sharif scored the all-important goal in the 74th minute for the winners.
-With New Age input
