After a season start that included a draw followed by two defeats – the latest against long-time rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club – Dhaka Abahani Limited had been stuck in a cycle of disappointment in the Bangladesh Football League. Finally, in their fourth match, the sky-blue side earned a vital victory. On the same day, Fortis FC also claimed a win over Arambagh KS.
Abahani edge past Police FC 2-0 despite being a player down
On Friday at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Comilla, Abahani defeated Bangladesh Police FC 2-0, even after being reduced to ten men.
Both goals came in the first half. In the 25th minute, Suleman Diabate put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot, a penalty he had earned himself after falling inside the box.
Abahani coach Maruful Haque made two changes to his starting XI, bringing on Papon Singh for Ibrahim Hossain and Enamul Islam Gazi for Bruno Matos.
In the 43rd minute, Gazi doubled the lead with a spectacular volley, connecting brilliantly with a curled free-kick from Sheikh Morsalin.
After the break, Police attempted to mount a comeback but were unable to breach Abahani’s defence. In the first minute of added time, Abahani’s Almgir Molla received a second yellow card and was sent off, though it did not affect the outcome. The win lifts Abahani to sixth place with four points from four matches, one point above Police in fifth.
Fortis claim first victory against Arambagh
At the Shaheed Miraj–Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, Fortis FC secured the breakthrough in the first half. In the 16th minute, Riaz Uddin Sagar guided a free-kick from Omar Babu into the net, sending his team into celebration.
Fortis were also reduced to ten men in the second half. In the 74th minute, Atikur Rahman Fahad received a straight red card for elbowing Arambagh’s Shahidul Islam, but Arambagh could not take advantage of their extra player.
The win moves Fortis up to third place with seven points from four matches, while Arambagh remain winless with just one point in ninth. Tomorrow, the Bangladesh Football League continues with three matches, including a clash between Bashundhara Kings and Rahmatganj in the fight for the top spot. Both teams currently share seven points at the summit.
