Title contenders Dhaka Abahani kicked off their Walton Victory Day Hockey campaign with a scintillating 7-0 win over Ajax in the Walton Smartphone Victory Day Hockey at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.
It was the first match of the season for both the sides who were a bit rusty in the opening half, but the traditional Sky-Blue outfits gradually found the rhythm. Abahani forwards continuously squandered the chances that fell in their way while Ajax forwards occasionally roamed their opponent territory, but was unable to break the deadlock.
When Abahani forwards remained in the bay an own goal dislodged Ajax from their determined position in the 20th minute. After a combined attack, midfielder Biplob found himself at the edge of the arc and his powerful push deflected off the pads of Ajax goalkeeper Rakibul into his own net. It was the turning point of the match as Abahani forwards tore the opposition defence apart in the remaining minutes adding six more goals.
Din Islam doubled the margin three minutes after they took the lead through a powerful reverse hit. Youngster Romman Sarker scored the third in the 40th minute after Biplob and Niloy’s one-two saw him unmarked in the box and he had little difficulty in converting the strike. National forward Niloy scored from a superb flick in the 42nd minute. Experienced winger Nannu added the 5th in the 43rd minute with a neat push while Romman netted the sixth off a penalty in the 48th minute. Din Islam added his second and Abahani’s seventh in the 49th minute to complete the rout.
Abahani officials after the match said that former national star Jumman Lusai will be coaching the team this season while long serving coach Mahbub Harun will be taking up the role of the technical adviser.