Ctg Abhani, Saif share points

Two dramatic goals in the last three minutes paved the way for two Port City based teams  Chittagong Abahani Limited and Saif Power Sporting Club to share points in the opening match of the Walton Independence Cup Football tournament yesterday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.  

In their two times encounters in the Saif Power Battery Bangladesh Premier League football, the first leg was ended in a goalless draw and in the second leg Chittagong Abahani suffered a 3-0 defeat.  

On the day, Saif could have taken the lead inside fourth minute when Ibrahim took a sudden attempt after beating two defenders with inside-outside dodge but Ctg Abahani goalkeeper Ashraf Rana made a good save with a right hand dive.

Chittagong Abahani, who gradually came out in attacking game, made a strong counter attack on 16th minute and a bright chance came to their way to take lead but Shushanta Tripura wasted the opportunity.

Shushanta, who overlapped from the defense, had an Abdullah left side cross in an open space inside the area but being free could not keep his cool to mark the target into open net.

The Chittagong outfit, who had a frustrating end of the league failing to win the title and even to retain the runners-up trophy despite leading the table up to 17th round unfortunately dropping 13 points in the last five matches, had another chance to break the deadlock on 37th minute but this time  a good exchange between Ridwan Rakain and Sohel Rana went in vain as Abdullah just narrowly missed the target as his powerful shot over the advancing keeper hit the side net.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes affair, both sides became more offensive but despite working had to wait to break the deadlock up to the injury period when two goals were scored.

It has certainly been a long time since Saif defense appeared vulnerable and in that first minute of the injury time blitz when Ctg Abahani rattled first goal, it was remarkable to see the way one of the most accomplished teams in the country took lead.

Abdullah floated his corner kick inside the danger area and when a header of a defender was not cleared well with Masuk Meah Jony taking the full advantage volleyed the ball into the net over the goalkeeper (1-0).

Saif was not demoralised but to go for quick move and their performance tricks up much when Jewel made a dramatic draw with converting a penalty at the eleventh hour.

It was a strong move through the midway and Jewel Rana entered into the box but Shusanto Tripura tackled from behind the goal-bound forward and referee Anisur Rahman directed for spot kick right after the Jewel’s kick the last whistle was blown (1-1). 

Ctg Abhani, Saif share points

Two dramatic goals in the last three minutes paved the way for two Port City based teams Chittagong Abahani Limited and Saif Power Sporting Club to share points in the opening match of the Walton Independence Cup Football tournament yesterday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. In their two times encounters in the Saif Power Battery Bangladesh Premier League football, the first leg was ended in a goalless draw and in the second leg Chittagong Abahani suffered a 3-0 defeat. On the day, Saif could have taken the lead inside fourth minute when Ibrahim took a sudden attempt after beating two defenders with inside-outside dodge but Ctg Abahani goalkeeper Ashraf Rana made a good save with a right hand dive. Chittagong Abahani, who gradually came out in attacking game, made a strong counter attack on 16th minute and a bright chance came to their way to take lead but Shushanta Tripura wasted the opportunity. Shushanta, who overlapped from the defense, had an Abdullah left side cross in an open space inside the area but being free could not keep his cool to mark the target into open net. The Chittagong outfit, who had a frustrating end of the league failing to win the title and even to retain the runners-up trophy despite leading the table up to 17th round unfortunately dropping 13 points in the last five matches, had another chance to break the deadlock on 37th minute but this time a good exchange between Ridwan Rakain and Sohel Rana went in vain as Abdullah just narrowly missed the target as his powerful shot over the advancing keeper hit the side net. After a goalless opening 45 minutes affair, both sides became more offensive but despite working had to wait to break the deadlock up to the injury period when two goals were scored. It has certainly been a long time since Saif defense appeared vulnerable and in that first minute of the injury time blitz when Ctg Abahani rattled first goal, it was remarkable to see the way one of the most accomplished teams in the country took lead. Abdullah floated his corner kick inside the danger area and when a header of a defender was not cleared well with Masuk Meah Jony taking the full advantage volleyed the ball into the net over the goalkeeper (1-0). Saif was not demoralised but to go for quick move and their performance tricks up much when Jewel made a dramatic draw with converting a penalty at the eleventh hour. It was a strong move through the midway and Jewel Rana entered into the box but Shusanto Tripura tackled from behind the goal-bound forward and referee Anisur Rahman directed for spot kick right after the Jewels kick the last whistle was blown (1-1).