Chittagong Abahani remained on course for their maiden Independence Cup title after securing a dramatic 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra in the second semi-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday. Though the country’s new footballing powerhouse lifted the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup Championship last year, they are yet to win any top-tier domestic tournament.
Russell, on the other hand, lost a huge opportunity to put their poor run behind by reaching the first final since 2012.
Russell’s Ethiopian forward Fikru Teferra continued his scoring spree by putting his team ahead in the added time of the first-half with his sixth goal in the tournament. The Port City outfits levelled the margin through Rubel Mia in the 66th minute.
With the sides still level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the fate of the game depended on the penalty shoot-out where Chittagong Abahani converted their first four shots successfully against Russell’s two.
Fikru and Burundi defender Nahayo Valery converted the first two shots for Russell before Mithun Chowdhury saw his effort went outside the post and Shahedul Alam’s shot was blocked by Chittagong Abahani keeper Ashraful Islam Rana.
Chittagong Abahani captain Zahid Hossain sealed the victory by converting their fourth penalty after Moroccan Tarik El Janaby, Nigerian Alison Udoka and Haitian Leonel Preux made no mistake to find the back of the net in the first three shots.
Earlier, Chittagong Abahani’s Haitian forward Leonel Saint Preux wasted a great chance in the 27th minute when he managed to beat onrushing Russell keeper Liton right outside the box but lost his balance before shooting.
Liton was beaten once again five minutes later but this time Kaushik Barua shot the ball wide.
Fikru broke the deadlock in the 45th minute heading home a rebounder after Shakhwat Hossain Rony’s initial effort from the middle of the box was blocked by Rana.
Rubel Mia tapped home from two yards following a low cross of Leonel Preux from right side to restore parity.
A minute later, Kaushik’s powerful strike from just outside the box flew inches over the bar.
Chittagong Abahani will now take on Abahani Limited in the final at the same venue on May 7 hoping to lift their first domestic trophy.
RESULT
Chittagong Abahani 1 (4) (Rubel Miah 66) v Sheikh Russell KC 1 (2) (Fikru 45+)
-With New Age input
