Abahani Limited Dhaka came from behind to secure a 2–1 victory over arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club Dhaka in the Bangladesh Football League, with Souleymane Diabate scoring the decisive goal against his former side.
The win not only handed Abahani revenge for their earlier defeat this season but also ended a three-year wait for a league victory over their fierce rivals.
Mohammedan made a dream start at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla, taking the lead in just the third minute. Uzbek midfielder Muzaffar Muzaffarov scored directly from a corner — an ‘Olympic goal’ — leaving goalkeeper Mitul Marma with no chance.
However, their advantage proved short-lived.
Abahani responded in the 17th minute through Mirajul Islam, who latched onto a pass from Emeka Ogba, beat his marker and finished calmly past Sujon Hossain to bring his side level.
After the interval, Abahani grew in control and intensity. Their pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Emeka produced a brilliant run before setting up Diabate. The Malian forward turned sharply inside the box and finished with precision between two defenders to score the winner.
Facing his former club, Diabate kept his celebration muted before later sharing an emotional moment with his old teammates.
Mohammedan had opportunities to salvage a point late in the match but failed to convert. Minhajul Rakib saw his effort blocked, Muzaffarov fired a free-kick over the bar, and Boateng’s stoppage-time header drifted just wide.
The result lifts Abahani to second in the table with 22 points from 12 matches, strengthening their position in the title race. Bashundhara Kings remain top with 24 points, having played one match fewer, while Mohammedan drop to seventh with 11 points.
