Two favorites – Abahani Limited and Bashundhara Kings - swept into the last four of the Independence Cup 2022 after winning their respective quarter-finals.
Reigning champions Abahani edged past Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd 2-1 at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj Sunday.
The Sky Blues went ahead through an own goal when Jamal defender Shakil Hossain put the ball into his own net while clearing Syrian defender Mohammad Yousef's header.
St Vincent & the Grenadines forward Cornelius Stewart equaled the margin for Jamal after the break, beating Abahani goalkeeper Mahfuz Hasan Pritom on one-on-one as the stipulated time ended in stalemate.
Substitute forward Rahim Uddin headed home in the 30-minute extra-time to seal victory for the Dhanmondi giants.
In the semi-finals this Wednesday, Abahani will face Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, who defeated Chattogram Abahani 1-0 in the last eight.
Premier League champions and previous Independence Cup finalists Kings found it easier, beating Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 at Birshrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj last Saturday.
Winger Rakib Hossain put the Kings ahead in the opening half, before Brazilian midfielder Robson Robinho doubled the lead at the late stage of the game.
Kings will take on Bangladesh Police, who beat Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in a nine-goal thriller, in the second semi-final this Thursday.
QUARTER-FINALS
Abahani 2 (Shakil 30-OG, Rahim 99) Sheikh Jamal 1 (Stewart 77)
Police 5 (Bablu 16, Edward 33, Alexander 81, Malikov 86-P, Esanur 120) Muktijoddha 4 (Emmanuel 45, Selemani 55,70, Al- Amin 90+3-OG)
Bashundhara Kings 2 (Rakib 34, Robson 84) Mohammedan 0
Sheikh Russell 1 (Sunday 85) Ctg Abahani 0
