Kazi Salahuddin, BFF president
Congratulations to Abahani. They are undoubtedly one of the best teams in Bangladesh, and they now proved that they are one of the best teams in south Asia as well. None from Bangladesh ever managed to play in the AFC Cup knockout stage before. It is also the sign of development of football in the country.
Masih Saighani, Abahani defender
There is not much to say, I am very happy and it is a very special and proud moment first of all for Abahani and all football in Bangladesh...For the history we made, we held the Bangladesh flag up high. For sure also for me as a player it is a very special moment to score such an important goal and be the first ever Afghan player who made out of the group stage.
Mario Lemos, Abahani head coach
Great win, very proud of the players! I think we were the best team in the group and deserve to make it to the inter-zone semi-final.
Abahani made historic qualification for the AFC Cup knockout stage for the first ever time in history after edging I-League champion @minervapunjabfc 1-0 in their last group match at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, Assam Wednesday afternoon.https://t.co/n4ck811qTa#AFC
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) June 26, 2019
Topu Barman, Abahani and national team defender
Feeling proud of the club. Since the beginning of the season, Abahani set their target to qualify for the next round and I’m really happy that we did it. The players tried their best, gave more than 100% effort and showed positive attitude all the way to achieve the target.
Jamie Day, national team head coach
Fantastic achievement for the staff and the players at the club, really pleased for everyone involved. I am also pleased that a Bangladesh team have qualified for the knockout stage. It was a good experience for the national team players as well. Also pleased for Mario (Lemos) as he is good guy and coach.
