King’s Cup
Pune ensure Abahani exit
Abahani completed their miserable performance in Bhutan’s King’s Cup when they suffered a 0-2 defeat to I-League side Pune FC in their last-group match to be eliminated from the group phase on Tuesday. Abahani’s second defeat in four matches meant Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal emerged as group runners-up to qualify for the semi-finals alongside Pune, who won their all four matches.
Abahani went into the game needing a win by a margin of five goals over favourites Pune.
Knowing that, it was result almost impossible to achieve, Abahani rather realistically targeted a simple win or draw to end the tournament on a high, but two last-minute goals ended up their hopes.
Lalrempuia broke the deadlock with a 25-yard free-kick to put Pune FC ahead in the 84th minute before Luciano Sabrosa sent Abahani packing striking from the spot two minutes from time.
With Abahani’s exit, reigning Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Jamal DC, now
remain the sole representative for Bangladesh in the tournament with a good prospect of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Jamal just need a single point
against Muhan Bagan in their last match tomorrow to seal their semi-final berth.
-With New Age input
