Grameenphone Super Cup
Abahani, Brothers face off today
Abahani will be looking to bury their disappointing Bangladesh League campaign when they take on Brothers Union in their opener of the Grameenphone Super Cup at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
Last edition’s runners-up Abahani relinquished their stranglehold of the professional league this season, finishing a lowly fourth despite starting the season brightly bagging curtain-raising Federation Cup and Bordoloi Trophy in India as a part of their pre-season preparation. But things went wrong from then on as they could not make it to the final of the Independence Cup and then finishing fourth in the Bangladesh League.
Now they are determined to make up for their poor campaign by winning the Tk one-crore tournament, pinning their hopes on long-severing coach Amalesh Sen, who worked as assistant to Iranian Ali Akbar in the Federation Cup and Bangladesh League.
“We were actually in the hunt in the first leg of the league but injuries and unavailability of a few players in the second leg cost us heavy,” Amalesh said. “Now there is no injury problem and all players are available for selection and we see hope of winning the Super Cup.”
This season Abahani have faced Brothers Union on three occasions, and each time the Sky Blues came out on top with identical 1-0 wins.
But when it is a battle between the two Dhaka giants, there is the air of uncertainty about the outcome, as they have provided entertaining games down the years. And Abahani coach Amalesh Sen is also aware of the fact.
“We know Brothers are in a desperate situation after losing to Sheikh Jamal and they will definitely be looking for a comeback to stay in the race. However our target will be not to concede any goal and find the back of their net,” said the former national footballer.
A win against Brothers guarantee Abahani a semifinals berth, leaving Brothers Union out of the tournament as the Oranges suffered a massive 6-1 defeat in their first match against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club.
“It is a do-or-die match for us.” Brothers coach Wasim Iqbal said. “And, the number of goals will play a vital role in qualification for the semifinals even if we win the match.”
-With The Daily Star input
