Riding on Nigerian forward Raphael Odoyin’s lone goal, Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra edged Chittagong Abahani Limited 1-0 in the third quarter-final of the Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Saturday.
In the battle for the final, Sheikh Russel will now take on the winner of the last quarter-final between Bashundhara Kings and Team BJMC, scheduled to be held Sunday evening.
Saiful Bari Titu’s side dominated the game, enjoying more ball possession and creating more chances initiated, mostly by Uzbekistan winger Azizov Alisher, and had it not been for their misfiring forward line, the margin could have been bigger.
Raphael went close to scoring in the sixth minute when his header from the left edge of the six-yard box went wide off the far post following a free-kick from Fazley Rabbi.
The Nigerian striker however, gave Sheikh Russel the lead within two minutes into the second half.
Former Sierra Leone and @FERWAFA head coach @johnnymckinstry said the standard of South Asian football is growing and attracted the Irish coach’s interest to try his coaching skills in the region.https://t.co/3WGMJXF5Cu#FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #JONATHAN #BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 9, 2018
Chittagong Abahani defender Kasto Kumar Bosh’s clearance on a cross of Alisher fell onto the feet of Raphael whose left-footed effort deflected off Mufta Lawal before bouncing home into the far post.
National youngster Biplo Ahmed had his chance in the 66th minute when his effort from the top of the box went straight to the keeper Mohammad Nehal after collecting a pass from Raphael.
The game was stopped for around 10 minutes after Chittagong’s Gambian forward Momodou Bah suffered a severe injury following a clash with Nigerian defender Alison Udoka for the control of the ball in the 70th minute.
Abdul Baten Komol replaced Bah, who are carried out of the stadium through an ambulance after the game resumed.
Sheikh Russel carried on their dominance in midfield as well as in the attacking half, while the port city outfit rarely created any notable chance and saw most of their build-ups end before even getting into the box, thanks to Sheikh Russel’s experienced back four comprising Yeasin Khan, Bishwanath Ghosh, Yeamin Munna and Udoka.
Sheikh Jamal set up a semi-final clash with Abahani after young Gambian forward Sainey Bojang’s brace helped them beat Saif Sporting Club 2-1 in the second quarter-final of the Walton Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.https://t.co/EOHEuAN2Uc#BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 9, 2018
Raphael had another opportunity in the 78th minute, but this time his close-range effort was punched away by Nehal at the near post for the cost of a corner.
RESULT
Sk Russel 1 (Raphael 47) 0 Ctg Abahani
SUNDAY'S QUARTER-FINAL
Bashundhara v BJMC, 5:00pm
The game will be held at BNS, Dhaka
