Abahani Limited made it into the quarter-finals of the Independence Cup after outplaying Rahmatganj MFS 2-0 in their second group match at Kings Arena Monday.
With two victories from as many games, the Sky Blues are now top of Group B while Sheikh Russel KC, who beat Air Force 1-0 on the same day, sit second with one win and a draw.
Abahani played with only one foreigner when they beat Air Force in the opener but were strengthened by the arrivals of Brazilian midfielder Jonathan Fernandes and Grenadian forward Cornelius Stewart.
Cornelius saw his header tipped away by the Rahmatganj goalkeeper for a corner in the fifth minute before he finally opened the scoring in the 76th minute from the spot.
He earned the penalty after being brought down by the keeper inside the danger zone.
Jonathan doubled the lead in the 84th minute, sending the ball over the custodian from outside the box after the goalie fell back while trying to stop Cornelius' solo run.
Abahani’s three other overseas players, Brazilian duo Bruninho and Brandao and Nigerian Emeka are yet to join the club.
Meanwhile, it was Dipok Roy’s goal in the 61st minute that earned Russell a narrow win over Air Force earlier at the same venue.
Brothers Union crashed out of the competition after losing 4-0 to Lt. Sheikh Jamal DC Ltd in the day’s other match with Higor netting twice and Bladimir and Sazzad adding one each.
Abahani will conclude their group campaign with the match against Russel in Gopalganj Saturday.
RESULTS
Abahani 2 Rahmatganj 0
Sheikh Russel 1 Air Force 0
Sheikh Jamal 4 Brothers 0
