AFC CUP 2ND-LEG

Abahani face survival test in Male today

Abahani Limited will play their do or die match against Maziya Recreation and Sports Cub in their second-leg match of the AFC Cup play-off today at Male National Stadium.

Abahani, who are in a tough position after a 2-2 draw at their home match in Dhaka was held on February 5, now in a difficult situation to cross the first round hurdle, as they would have to win or at least a 3-3 draw.  

If the match would end on same margin (2-2) like first leg, the result of the match will be decided by straight tie-breaker.    

But the six times Bangladesh champions Abahani, who were pre-match favourites considering their last year’s amazing result of qualifying in the semifinal, could not repeat their performance as they just narrowly escaped from defeat coming from behind twice.

Abahani had bitter experiences against Maldives clubs when they played twice against Radiant FC and Maziya and lost both games.

Abahani had the opportunity to take revenge over Maziya of their two times defeat in the same AFC Cup competition in 2016 but the Maldives champions did not give any chance Bangladesh Premier League runners up to win but had a struggling draw.

However, Abahani head coach Mario Lemos agreeing the home sides (Maziya’s) advantage of 2-2 draw in away ground said that it will be a difficult task for them but it would be a different game - “Yes of course, they have slight advantage for getting two goals away from home. It is going to be a different game tomorrow [Wednesday].”

 

AFC CUP 2ND-LEG

Abahani face survival test in Male today

Abahani Limited will play their do or die match against Maziya Recreation and Sports Cub in their second-leg match of the AFC Cup play-off today at Male National Stadium. Abahani, who are in a tough position after a 2-2 draw at their home match in Dhaka was held on February 5, now in a difficult situation to cross the first round hurdle, as they would have to win or at least a 3-3 draw. If the match would end on same margin (2-2) like first leg, the result of the match will be decided by straight tie-breaker. But the six times Bangladesh champions Abahani, who were pre-match favourites considering their last years amazing result of qualifying in the semifinal, could not repeat their performance as they just narrowly escaped from defeat coming from behind twice. Abahani had bitter experiences against Maldives clubs when they played twice against Radiant FC and Maziya and lost both games. Abahani had the opportunity to take revenge over Maziya of their two times defeat in the same AFC Cup competition in 2016 but the Maldives champions did not give any chance Bangladesh Premier League runners up to win but had a struggling draw. However, Abahani head coach Mario Lemos agreeing the home sides (Maziyas) advantage of 2-2 draw in away ground said that it will be a difficult task for them but it would be a different game - Yes of course, they have slight advantage for getting two goals away from home. It is going to be a different game tomorrow [Wednesday].