Holder Bashundhara Kings progressed as Group C champion into the Federation Cup quarter-finals after beating Chittagong Abahani 1-0 at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Monday.
Both the teams had already qualified for the last eight prior to Monday’s clash following their victories against bottom side, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society.
Rahmatganj made a meek exit from the season opener after being the losing finalist in the previous edition.
They however, got a tough draw as Kings and the port city outfit advanced from Pool C.
Argentine striker Raul Beccera scored the all-important goal in what was a battle of two star-studded squads, filled with Bangladesh national team players.
Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society reached the final of the Federation Cup in its previous edition but fell in the first...
Posted by Sports Tribune on Friday, 25 December 2020
Oscar Bruzon prevailed over Maruful Haque in the tactical battle as Raul netted in the 49th minute from a Robinho corner which proved to be beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mohammad Naim.
The Kings’ Mahbubur Rahman Sufil and Chittagong Abahani’s Charles Didier both were unable to score from their opportunities, the former failing to get the better of Naim in the first half and Didier firing his free-kick over the bar in the half hour mark.
Sufil was particularly wasteful as he also shot over the crossbar inside the box after a through pass from Bishwanath Ghosh in the 57th minute.
Didier was no better as his shot from a Mohammad Rockey cross in the 67th minute was stopped in its way by Kings’ Iranian defender Khaled Shafiei.
Chittagong Abahani could’ve also brought parity in the 61st minute as all Mannaf Rabby had to do was connect a long cross from Rageeb Hossain but the former was unable to do so.
