Abahani-Ashgabat tussle today

Perfect finishing will be the key in the crucial Group B match of the AFC President’s Cup match between Dhaka Abahani and Ashgabat FC of Turkmenistan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 6:00pm today.
Both the teams had a perfect warm-up for the crunch tie with victories against Sri Lanka Army, the third team of the group. But they know it very well that the scenario would be far different than their previous matches. The winners will be the group champions and will earn the ticket to the last four. Abahani has no option apart from a win because of their inferior goal average.
Ashgabat defeated Sri Lanka Army 5-1 and Dhaka Abahani beat them 2-1 in their first matches. Ashgabat’s strategy of attacking through the flanks and the midfield will cause all the trouble to the Abahani defence. Abahani will be cautious about the quick counter-attacks and the long balls of their opponents.
Abahani will be relying on their trusted keeper Biplob and the strong defence line-up comprising Shujon, Ghanaian Samad Youssif, Siraji and Wali Faisal. The midfield marshalled by Pranatosh, Abul and Zahed Parvez will be trying not to allow any space while Emily and Ghanaian forward Awudu Ibrahim will be busy tormenting the Ashgabat defence. Abahani will be hoping Awudu Ibrahim stays at his best in the most demanding situation.
Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu was inspiring his boys for a total teamwork. ‘I want 70 per cent from all the players, not 100 per cent or 50 per cent, all the players will have to carry out their on and off the ball duties, the quick counter-attacks of the opponents also have to be restricted,’ said Rupu.
But Rupu knew where the success lies. ‘The main thing will be minimum opportunity but maximum utilisation, we have to put away the chances that we get,’ said the former national midfielder.
Ashgabat‘s attacking duo of Arif Mirzoyev and Arslanmyrat Amanov will be the threats to Abahani in the match. The agile Allaberdiev Ahmed and Saparov Rustam will add more vigour to the attacks from coming from the deep. The long ball game and neat distribution of the Turkmenistan side put them ahead of Abahani.
Coach Boris Grigoryants thought their 5-1victory over Sri Lanka Army was the perfect warm-up for the crunch match. ‘We are focussed on winning the tournament and the group championship is the first step towards that target. Abahani will enjoy the home advantage but we will be firing on all cylinders to win the game,’ said Boris.
‘We have the potential to win against Abahani who will also be desperate for a win, we are ready to face challenge,’ said the coach.

Courtesy of NewAgebd