A lackluster performance by Abahani Limited saw them come from behind twice to draw with Maziya Sports and Recreation Club 2-2 in the first leg of the 2020 AFC Cup Preliminary Stage 2 at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Wednesday.
Maldives national forward Ibrahim Mahudhee and Vincentian striker Cornelius Stewart put the new Maldives champion ahead twice before Brazilian defender Mailson Alves and Sunday Chizoba equalized to salvage at least a point prior to the Sky Blues' departure to Male for the away leg next week.
The visitor, who just concluded their domestic league last week, looked more active than Abahani, who showed a lack of intensity as coach Mario Lemos blamed “slow” performance of his players for the draw.
The defence line consisting Nasir Uddin and Mailson in center struggled to deal with the pace of Maziya attackers before the opening goal while goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel could have done better to stop the second.
The home side however, managed to come back soon after falling behind but losing balls easily, misplaced passes at own half and lack of intention to fight out for possession were on display.
Abahani coach Mario Lemos was struggling to find out what happened to his local and foreign players who looked slow and lacked energy against Maziya after they conceded two crucial goals during their @theafcdotcom qualifying play-off at home Wednesdayhttps://t.co/v7Fuk0RR3M#AFC
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 5, 2020
Cornelius created the opening chance in the 16th minute after snatching a backpass of Nabib Newaj Jibon before sprinting past three players but his final effort couldn’t trouble Sohel.
Abahani went close to scoring three times afterwards as Sunday saw his header denied by the sidepost following a corner of Mamunul Islam in the 32nd minute before Kervens Belfort’s shot was saved by the keeper moments later.
Keeper Ovays Azizi produced a brilliant save to deny Mailson’s powerful free-kick.
From a counter attack, Mahudhee took the lead just before the first-half with a cheeky lob from the right side of the box that beat Sohel before Cornelius stabbed home near the goalline which the referee later declared as the former’s goal.
Mailson looked in more attacking mood than defending as the Brazilian leveled the margin with a left-footed volley moments before the first-half whistle, giving Azizi no chance.
Argentine striker Hernan Barcos, the former teammate of Lionel Messi, arrived in Dhaka to complete the signing formalities with the Bangladesh Premier League champion Bashundhara Kings Wednesday as part of his planned week-long stay.https://t.co/lN2mec1Jbu#ARGENTINA #MESSI #AFA
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 5, 2020
Maziya went ahead again after the hour mark as Cornelius capitalized on a rebound after Sohel’s fist against Hassan Naiz’s initial effort landed on the feet of the Vincentian striker.
Jibon, who played mostly as No 10 last season, played in three different positions – first on left wing, then to right wing before coming back behind striker Sunday in the last quarter-hour after Rubel Mia replaced Edgar Bernardt.
Sunday restored parity in the 80th minute with a placing shot after Rayhan’s long throw-in was forwarded by Belfort with a back header towards the far post.
Abahani now have a tough job to stay alive in the qualifying playoffs when they travel to the Maldives capital Sunday for the second leg, and they must win away, or score two goals or more in the event of a draw.
Playing XI
Abahani: Sohel; Nasir, Mailson, Rayhan, Saad; Mamunul, Sohel, Edgar (Rubel 76); Jibon, Belfort, Sunday.
Maziya: Azizi; Petar, Sharif, Ahmed, Samooh; Irufaan, Aisam, Mahudhee (Asadhulla 90); Hamza, Naiz (Yamin 84), Cornelius.
