Guinean striker Ismael Bangoura shone on his debut for Abahani Limited as the Sky Blues began their King’s Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Assam Electricity Limited at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan yesterday.
Former Team BJMC striker Bangoura netted the all-important goal in the 20th minute of the game on his debut for the Sky Blues to get them off to a winning start. The margin could have been bigger if the Guinean had not missed a penalty in the second half.
The four-time professional football league champions started the match brightly and controlled ball possession from the beginning. The Assamese defenders put up a solid display and did not allow the opponents in their territory for 20 minutes.
The Sky Blues went ahead with their first shot on target. After a controversial incident inside the penalty area that saw an Assamese defender get away with a foul on Bangoura, the Guinean striker recovered admirably from the challenge and slotted the ball to the back of the net.
Another new Abahani recruit, Wahed Ahmed, wasted a glorious opportunity to double the lead in the 40th minute.
Abahani struggled to maintain their lead as three of their players received yellow cards including Ariful Islam for simulation. Two chances in the second half came Assam’s way but they could not utilise either of them. The Dhanmondi-outfit could have doubled their lead once again in the 67th minute when Bangoura missed a penalty. Abahani will take on Bhutanese National League outfit Ugyen Academy in their second match at the same venue tomorrow.
