Chittagong Abahani Limited have finished as the champions of Group B in the TVS Federation Cup 2019, after beat reigning Premier League champion Bashundhara Kings 2-0 at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.
The Kings ended the group stage as the runners-up.
With both the sides having already confirmed their last eight berths, Friday's game afforded a good opportunity for the coaches to experiment with their playing XI.
Kings head coach Oscar Bruzon rested Daniel Colindres, Nicholas Delmonte and Jalal Kdouh, but the likes of Towhidul Alam Sabuj and Mohammad Ibrahim could not give a good account of themselves in their absence.
Rakib Hossain gave the port city outfit the lead in the 25th minute, with a placed shot after Charles Didier failed to connect with Chinedu Mathew’s cross.
The Kings were then reduced to 10 men when Tajik booter Akhtam Nazarov received his marching orders before the first half whistle.
Abahani tested their squad depth while handing a struggling Arambagh Krira Sangha side a 5-1 loss to sweep into the Fed Cup quarter-finals along with Police Football Club, leaving Mario Lemos in a sweet conundrum to pick his next XI in the knockouts.https://t.co/ayMSDZRk0k#BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 26, 2019
Chittagong Abahani immediately took advantage, with Ivory Coast’s Didier heading home a cross from Nasirul Islam from the right flank in first half stoppage time.
Bruzon brought on Tapu Barman and Kdouh in the 72nd minute in an attempt change their fortunes, but both the substitutes were unable to turn the tables.
Chittagong Abahani could have extended their lead further had it not been for the efforts of Kings goalkeeper Nurul Naim Faisal.
After the game, Bruzon admitted that his charges did not turn up on the occasion and have one eye on the last eight match.
Chittagong Abahani head coach Maruful Haque said he was elated with the win and they are confident of winning their quarter-final clash.
