Rabiul Hasan netted on his debut in Sky Blue jersey as Abahani Limited defeated Air Force football team 2-0 in the Independence Cup opener at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj Friday.
Since making debut with Arambagh KS, Rabiul went on to play for Bashundhara Kings, Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd, Chittagong Abahani Ltd and Police FC before moving to Abahani.
It was Abahani’s first match of the season as the 24-year old national midfielder found the back of the net in the 36th minute to double the lead after experienced striker Nabib Newaj Jibon gave an early breakthrough from a penalty.
Abahani played with only one foreign recruit – Iranian defender Milad Sheikh Soleimani as the other five overseas players are yet to join the club due to visa issues.
Midfielder Mohammad Ridoy, who shone brightly with the national team recently, was given the captain’s armband.
The Group B tie also marked Argentine tactician Diego Andres Cruciani’s return to the Dhanmondi outfit as the new head coach after 16 years.
In the day’s other encounters, Police handed Brothers Union a 2-0 defeat in Munshiganj while Sheikh Russel KC kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw against Rahmatganj MFS in the capital’s Kings Arena.
RESULTS
Abahani 2 Air Force 0
Police 2 Brothers 0
Sheikh Russel 0 Rahmatganj 0
