Abahani Limited progressed to the semifinals of the Federation Cup after staging a brilliant comeback to beat Brothers Union 2-1 in the third quarter-final at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
In-form Haitian forward Augustin Walson gave Brothers the lead in the opening half before substitute midfielder Jewel Rana and Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba netted in the last half hour to ensure a place in the last four.
The Sky Blues, who also reached the final of the season opening Independence Cup in April this year, will now take on Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in the second semi-final this Friday.
George Kottan's charges began the game brightly, creating two chances within the quarter-hour mark following which the Gopibagh outfit showed dominance throughout the remainder of the opening half. And it was Walson who was at the hub of most of Brothers' attacks.
The Sky Blues went close to scoring with just two minutes into the clock when Nabib Newaj Jibon's header from a Lee Andrew Tuck free-kick was punched away to safety by Brothers goalkeeper Uttam Barua.
Tuck then squandered a glorious chance in the 15th minute when the English midfielder shot straight towards Uttam, despite being in a one-on-one situation.
In the 24th minute, Walson collected a clearance from Abahani custodian Shahidul Alam Sohel but his shot was blocked by Waly Faisal. Walson tried his luck again on the rebound but this time, the shot went wide.
Walson created another great chance at the half hour mark when he provided a brilliant cross from the left flank into the centre of the six-yard box. Mannaf Rabby though was a bit late in meeting the cross.
Walson finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, exhibiting great skill to fire home a volley after Nigerian Nkwocha Kingsley chested down a Shofiqul Islam Shofi cross.
Abahani went all-out for the equaliser after resumption as Tuck threatened the opposition defence on quite a few occasions.
But it was Jewel Rana who provided the Sky Blues the breakthrough in the 69th minute when his left-footed drive from inside the box beat Uttam.
Sunday then scored a disputed yet deserved winner in the 81st minute when the Nigerian striker headed home a Tuck cross. Sunday's header hit the woodwork and Brothers defender Abbas Inissah cleared the ball but not before crossing the goalline.
