Abahani Limited squandered a 2-0 lead to be held for a 2-2 draw by Manang Marsyangdi Club of Nepal in Bhutan’s King’s Cup on Saturday to dash their hopes of qualifying for the semis effectively. Abahani took the two-goal cushion inside 37 minutes at the Chenglimithang Stadium in Thimphu before allowing the Nepalese club to claw back and snatch the draw. To keep their semi-final hopes alive, Abahani had to beat MMC after they lost in their last match to Ugyen Academy of Bhutan.
Defender Nasirul Islam put Abahani ahead with a half-hour mark strike dodging past MMC keeper BIshal Shrestha to slot the ball home.
Abahani’s Guinean marksman Ismail Bangoura doubled the margin just seven minutes later.
Bangaura ran past MMC defender Biraj Maharjan and scored with a powerful strike.
Anil Gurung pulled one goal back six minutes into the second half with a brilliant solo effort.
Abahani tried hard to keep the scoreline in their favour but they caved in the face of MMC’s consistent pressure. MMC reaped the reward for their pressing game scoring the equaliser eight minutes from time.
Substitute Bishal Rai tried his luck with a powerful attempt from 25-yard distance and saw his effort was fisted away by Abahani keeper Ziaur Rahman.
However, the ball reached to unmarked Shiva Shrestha who headed home to bring the scoreline level and give MMC a shot in the arm in their pursuit of a semi-final place.
Abahani have earned only four points from their three matches while MMC also have earned the same number of points but the Nepalese club are ahead thanks to their superior goal difference.
Abahani will play their last group match against Indian’s I-league team Pune FC on November 25 while MMC will face Ugyan in their last match.
Reigning Bangladesh champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will return to action after eight days when they face Nakhon Ratchasima FC of today.
Jamal began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Druk United FC of Bhutan on November 15.
-With New Age input
