Substitute goalkeeper Shamim Hossain came off the bench in the 121st minute to star in the tiebreaker with two spectacular saves as Abahani Limited beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club 3-2, securing their spot in the Independence Cup semi-finals.
The normal time ended goalless before two Brazilian midfielders, Jonathan Fernandes and Higor Leite, scored for Abahani and Sheikh Jamal, respectively, in extra time.
Argentine tactician Diego Andres Cruciani brought in Shamim, replacing Pappu Hossain just a minute before the whistle in the capital’s Kings Arena Sunday.
Shamim proved his worth by punching away Shoknrukhbek Kholmatov and Shakil Hossain’s shots as the Sky Blues won the quarter-final 3-2 in the shootout.
In the second semi-final scheduled for Friday, Abahani will face the winners of the fourth quarter-final between Bashundhara Kings and the Army football team, which will be held Tuesday.
The first half ended goalless, with Sheikh Jamal coming up with a couple of efforts, but none tested Pappu.
Abahani began the second half brightly, creating four chances within 10 minutes.
Washington Brandao headed over from close range moments after resumption before his precise cross met Emeka, who also headed over.
Kholmatov headed straight to the keeper two minutes before Washington’s shot was saved at the hour mark.
Pappu produced a fine save in a one-on-one situation to block Bladimir Diaz’s dangerous run in the 70th minute.
Another goalless half led to extra time where Jonathan found the net in the fourth minute with a volley from the edge of the box.
Higor made things all square in the 109th minute with a spectacular free-kick from almost 20 yards.
Jamal keeper Mahfuz Hasan Pritom made a brilliant save to deny Washington’s shot in a one-on-one after being set up by Rabiul Hasan.
Rabiul wasted his chance in the tiebreaker along with Emeka, while Jonathan, Washington and Milad Sheikh converted for Abahani.
Higor and Rajib Hossen converted for Jamal while Foysal Ahmed Fahim shot wide, but Shamim’s two saves made all the difference at the end.
Earlier on the same day, Rahmatganj came from behind to beat Police Football Club 2-1 in the first quarter-final at the same venue.
Colombian forward Edis Garcia opened the scoring from a penalty in the 24th minute before Ghanaian forward Samuel Konney cancelled it just before the half-hour mark.
Samuel fired home a headed pass from Iskandar Jonov following Sushanta Tripura’s free-kick that met the Uzbekistan defender on the right side of the box.
The Old Dhaka outfit took the lead two minutes later from the same combination and set-up, but this time Samuel just needed a touch to convert Iskander’s header from the left side.
Rahmatganj will compete in the first semi-final where they will face the winner of the third quarter-final between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Chittagong Abahani, scheduled to be held Tuesday.
RESULTS
Abahani 1 (Jonathan 94) Sheikh Jamal 1 (Higor 107) aet
Abahani won 3-2 in tiebreaker
Rahmatganj 2 (Konney 29, 31) Police 1 (Garcia 24-P)
