Abahani Limited squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 against defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal in the King’s Cup in Thimphu, Bhutan yesterday.
Abahani took the lead in the 36th minute through their defender Nasirul Islam who went past Manang goalkeeper Bishal Sreshtha and just two minutes later Guinean forward Ismael Bangoura doubled the margin by scoring from a solo effort.
Manang, however, came back strong in the second half. Ace forward Anil Gurung struck in the 51st minute for the defending champions. The Nepalese outfit pressed hard and succeeded in scoring the equaliser in the 81st minute through Shiva Sreshtha.
After the draw, Abahani’s chances of progressing to the last four became more complicated. The traditional Sky Blues must now beat Indian side Pune FC this Tuesday and hope other results go their way.
Abahani have four points from three matches while Manang also have the same number of points. Pune lead the table with six points. The top two teams from this group will go through to the last four.
