Arambagh Krira Sangha scripted a remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit to snatch a 2-2 draw in stipulated time against Chittagong Abahani Limited before winning the penalty shootout 4-2 to emerge as Group A winner in the Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Sunday.
Local midfielder Shahriar Bappy netted a spectacular equaliser five minutes before the end of stipulated time which forced the game to roll unusually onto the tiebreaker in order to decide the group champion where Maruful Haque’s side proved their credential.
Both the sides earlier confirmed their berth in the quarter-finals after beating Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society in their first game and that too by the same margin of 3-1.
With maximum six points now, Arambagh will face either Abahani Limited or Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra from Group C in the last eight.
Back to the game, Nigerian striker Ugochukwu Awala Magalan put Chittagong Abahani ahead in the eighth minute.
After receiving a long ball from Nigerian defender Mufta Lawal, Awala took a shot from 25 yards giving Arambagh goalkeeper Mazharul Islam no chance.
Arambagh had a big chance to bring parity two minutes later when Uzbek defender Iqbaljon Normatovich’s header from a Zahid Hossain corner hit the sidepost.
Momodou Bah doubled the lead in the 39th minute, breaking into the left side of the penalty area after skipping past a couple of Arambagh defenders.
The Gambian forward slotted home past the keeper into the far post.
Iqbaljon pulled one back from the penalty spot at the stroke of the first half after Zahid was brought down by Monayem Khan Raju inside the danger zone.
Bappy netted a spectacular goal just five minutes before the conclusion of the stipulated time with a powerful volley from 30 yards away after a headed clearance from inside the box fell in front of the midfielder.
Chittagong Abahani squandered their first two chances in the tiebreaker with Bah sending over the bar and Nazmul Islam Rasel’s effort being saved.
Iqbaljon, Rajon Mia, Rabiul Hasan and Kingsley Chukwudi all converted for Arambagh.
RESULT
Arambagh 2 (Iqbaljon 44-P, Bappy 85) 2 Chittagong Abahani (Awala 8, Bah 39)
MONDAY'S MATCHES
Brothers v Saif Sporting, 3:15pm
Sk Russel v Abahani, 5:15pm
Both the games will be held at BNS, Dhaka