Abahani Limited clinched a thriller at the AFC Cup against Indian side Chennaiyin FC at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Wednesday to keep their hope alive in the tournament.
Experienced striker Mamunul Islam unleashed a brilliant strike in the 88th minute to help his side win 3-2 in the match that saw goals, excitement and tension.
With this win, Abahani have seven points from four matches, equal to Chennaiyin, who are on top of Group F, but the Indian side are ahead thanks to a +2 goal difference, while the Bangladesh champion have +1.
As only one team from the group will qualify for the inter-zone play, the match was do-or-die for the men is Sky Blues, but they received an early shock as the visitor scored a goal in just the sixth minute.
Indian striker CK Vineeth released a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner off a cross of Isaac Vanmalsawma, who received the ball from a corner kick.
Abahani increased the intensity but failed, and created a few chances, for instance a powerful shot of Kervens Belfort in the 20th minute, but they ended the fast half trailing 0-1.
Haitain Belfort brought back the parity in the 64th minute with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner of the post with an assist from Masih Saighani.
Afghan player Saighani gave the home side the lead just five minutes later from a brilliant a left-footed free kick.
But Isaac netted the equalizer for Chennaiyin in the 74th minute with a right-footed shot.
Abahani however, had the experience of Mamunul, who is irregular in the side recently, and he gave them the last laugh.
Chennaiyin had two chances in the last few minutes but Abahani saved those to leave the field with three precious points.
