Four-time professional football league champions Abahani Limited were held to a shocking 1-1 draw in their KFC Independence Cup Group B opener as Feni Soccer Club grabbed a late equaliser at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Senegalese striker Camara Sarba put the Sky Blues ahead at the stroke of the first half before former Abahani forward Chowmrin Rakhane came off the bench to bring parity from the penalty spot in the dying stages of the game.
Abahani captain Ariful Islam almost gifted the opponents a goal in the seventh minute of the game when his blunder allowed Ridon to take possession at the edge of the box. Abahani goalkeeper Sultan Ahmed Shakil though came to his side’s rescue by producing a decent save to deny Ridon in a one-on-one situation.
Sarba proved to be a handful for the Feni defence throughout the entire game as he headed over the crosspiece from a lovely Lee Andrew Tuck cross. The Senegalese marksman got two more opportunities in the 36th and 38th minutes before finally breaking the deadlock in the added time of the first half.
Englishman Tuck set up youngster Nabib Newaj Jibon, who then provided a low pass for Sarba. Sarba made no mistake rifling home from three yards.
Sarba came agonisingly close to doubling the lead in the 75th minute but his effort from a Tuck cross went away for a corner.
Feni earned a spotkick against the run of play in the 85th minute when Shakil brought down Abahani’s former Ghanaian striker Twum Frank. Substitute forward Rakhane completed the formalities, thus handing the two sides a share of the spoils.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
