Senegal forward Camara Sarba broke the hearts of Abahani Limited by scoring a 95th minute winner to propel Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra to the semi-finals of the Federation Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday. Last edition’s runners-up Muktijoddha will now take on Mohammedan Sporting Club in the second semi-final on March 2. Though Abahani dominated the game right from the start, due to lack of efficient finishing both the sides failed to break the deadlock in the stipulated time.
The Sky Blues also badly missed their Hungarian striker Szabolcs Csorba, who missed the tie due to a knee injury.
Wahed Ahmed and Aminur Rahman Sazib failed to prove their worth in absence of Csorba in the frontline as Austrian coach George Kotan tried both the forwards but they failed to score.
Nigerian Tayo Ifabiyi wasted a bright chance in the 20th minute when his header from the six-yard box went wide despite an empty net.
Abahani keeper Ziaur Rahman made a fumble in the 35th minute but the side bar rescued his side.
Zia rectified his past mistake in the 42nd minute by producing a superb save to deny Muktijoddha’s Egyptian midfielder Fekry Zeiada’s attempt, who made a superb volley from outside the box.
Substitute forward Aminur Rahman Sazib tried his luck from just outside the box four minutes into the second half but Titumir Titu produced a stunning save to deny his powerful attempt.
Muktijoddha went ahead in the fifth minute of the 30-minute added time when Camara’s header found the back of the net from an Ibnul Siraji neat cross from the right-flank.
Anisul Alam Sweet rescued his side from conceding the equaliser in the 108th minute as Arif headed on a Shakil Ahmed corner but Sweet cleared the ball from the goal-line.
-With New Age input
