Abahani Limited came from behind to beat Air Force football team 3-1 in Munshiganj Saturday to secure their berth in the quarter-finals of the Independence Cup 2022 with a game in hand in the group stages.
The reigning champions kept the starting XI unchanged from the previous match where they won 2-0 against Uttara FC, who, along with Air Force, have seen exit door from the tournament with consecutive defeats.
Air Force went ahead early in the game through national forward Suman Reza, whose stunning left-footer from outside the box beat the diving goalkeeper Mahfuz Hasan Pritom.
New signing midfielder Meraj Hossain Opu equalized the margin few minutes later with a volley from close range following a headed pass.
Costa Rican forward Daniel Colindres, who played the Russia World Cup 2018, gave the Sky Blues the lead soon after the half-hour mark with a free-kick from 20 yards.
Brazilian striker Getterson Alves extended the lead just before the half-time, heading home a cross of compatriot midfielder and captain, Raphael Augusto.
Meanwhile in the day's other match, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra defeated Uttara FC 3-0 to advance to the last eight from the same group.
Abahani and Muktijoddha will take on each other this Wednesday to decide the group winners.
RESULT
Air Force 1 (Suman 11) Abahani 3 (Meraj 18, Colindres 32, Getterson 43)