Abahani Limited edged Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra by 2-1 in the second semi-final of Federation Cup to move into the final for the first time in six years on Friday.
Abahani, who last played the final in the traditional domestic tournament in 2010, will face Arambagh Krira Sangha in the final on Monday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.Senegalese forward Camara Sarba put Abahani ahead just four minutes into the whistle while substitute forward Rumman Sarker levelled the margin in the 64th minute.
Nigerian marksman Sunday Chizoba stole the show with a brilliant strike in the 69th minute to take Abahani in the final after four editions since they were crowned champions in 2010.
The traditional Sky-Blue outfit started the game without their in-form English midfielder Lee Andrew Tuck, who missed the game due to ankle injury.
Winger Jewel Rana replaced Lee Tuck in the midfield while Camara Sarba joined local forward Nabib Newaz Ziban in the attacking zone.
Ethiopian forward Fikru Teferra wasted a great chance to give Sheikh Russell an early lead with just two minute into the clock as his strong effort from the edge of the box went wide.
Camara Sarba repaid the faith of Abahani’s Austrian coach George Kottan by putting Abahani ahead in the fourth minute.
Sunday met a neat cross of Waly Faisal and sent the ball to Camara who headed home from a hand-shaking distance.
Sunday could double the lead four minutes later but his shot, following a pass from Camara, went wide.
Russell keeper Russell Mahmud Liton blocked a close-range effort of Camara in the 38th minute.
Abahani’s Ghanaian defender Samad Yussif made a superb tackle on the edge of the box to foil a menacing Russell attack initiated by Cameroonian forward Paul Emile in the 52nd minute.
Substitute forward Rumman brought a sigh of relief in Russell tent by equalising the margin in the 64th minute.
Collecting a pass from Paul Emile, Rumman beat two defenders before sending the ball into the net past advancing Abahani keeper Shahidul Alam Sohel.
Sunday, who played his best match in the tournament, showed his skill in the 69th minute with a sudden strike from the top left corner of the box that beat Russell keeper Liton following a through pass of Waly.
RESULT
Abahani Limited 2 (Camara Sarba 4, Sunday Chizoba 69) v Sheikh Russell (Rumman Sarker 64)
-With New Age input
