Abahani Limited started their Federation Cup campaign with a thumping 6-0 win over Brothers Union Tuesday, while holders Mohammedan Sporting Club came from behind to beat Chittagong Abahani 2-1 in the bid to defend the title.
Brazilian forward Washington Brandao bagged a hat-trick at Kings Arena to guide the Sky Blues to a winning start, with Saint Vincent striker Cornelius Stewart netting a brace and Nabib Newaj Jibon also on target in the 15th minute in his first start this season.
The season’s first treble and his third club career hat-trick, the 32-year old Washington found the net in the 31st, 71st and 73rd minute, while Stewart also had the opportunity to emulate his teammate after scoring in the 83rd and 86th minute before head coach Diego Andres Cruciani brought him off with the game done and dusted.
Meanwhile in the group’s other match in Gopalganj, Uzbekistan midfielder Muzaffar Muzaffarov inspired a much-changed Mohammedan side minus star Malian forward Souleymane Diabate to a come from behind victory over Chittagong Abahani.
Against the run of play, Nigerian striker Azeez Abu gave the port city outfit the lead in the 13th minute before Alfaz Ahmed’s charges brought parity on the stroke of the first half whistle.
Jafar Iqbal equalized from a rebound after set-piece specialist Muzaffarov’s free kick came back off the post with goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana beaten.
Muzaffarov then netted the all-important goal 10 minutes after resumption when Rana parried an Emmanuel Sunday header on a free kick onto the Uzbek midfielder’s path.
RESULTS
Abahani 6 (Jibon 15, Washington 31, 71, 73, Stewart 83, 86) Brothers 0
Mohammedan 2 (Jafar 45+3, Muzaffarov 55) Ctg Abahani 1 (Azeez 14)
