Abahani-Mohammedan Final
Reigning champions Mohammedan and last’s runners-up Abahani promised to put up a better show in the final of the Grameenphone Super Cup to entertain the spectators at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The statements from the country’s two premier outfits came yesterday at a press briefing at the BFF House, ahead of the Super Cup final which will take place on Saturday.
“It is a dream final as no one could expect that Mohammedan and Abahani would play out the final match this season but the reality is that both teams are all set to renew their rivalry again,” said Mohammedan coach Shafiqul Islam Manik.
“I think the supporters of both teams are much happy with this final and I promise that Mohammedan will maintain their tempo to put up a good show against Abahani,” said Manik urging the spectators of both sides to turn up at the big blow to encourage their beloved teams.
Mohammedan had nothing to write home about this season till their stunning 4-2 win over Bangladesh League champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to ensure a spot in the Super Cup final. Before this, they had been eliminated from the group stages of the Federation Cup, were ousted in the Independence Cup semifinal and then finished sixth in the league without a significant win in 22 matches.
However, Mohammedan transferred their league’s second-leg performance to the Super Cup and reached the final by vanquishing the star-studded Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel KC.
The relentless training made Mohammedan little-known players tough on the pitch and the inclusion of some quality players in the Super Cup also made the Black and Whites into a formidable opposition.
On the other hand, the popular Abahani made a flying start this season after winning the Bordoli Trophy in India and were then also crowned in the Federation Cup. But things went downhill in the Independence Cup after they were ousted by an unknown Farashganj in the semifinal. Despite finishing a distant fourth in the league, the three-time Bangladesh League champions reached the Super Cup final without an outright victory but the Sky Blues also promised to play better football in the final.
“It is a much-awaited final between Abahani and Mohammedan,” said Abahani coach Amalesh Sen.
“I believe the spectators will be more encouraged to watch the match and holding the final between the two popular clubs will significantly benefit the country’s football,” said Sen.
“I urge our supporters to turn up at the stadium to back us and if the supporters keep backing us from the gallery, then we will be able to win the Super Cup this time,” said Abahani captain Pranotosh Kumar Das.
-With The Daily Star input
