Abahani Limited head coach Maruful Haque is banking on recent arrivals Souleymane Diabate, Sheikh Morsalin and Al Amin to give his side the edge when they face Kyrgyzstan Cup winners FC Muras United in the AFC Challenge League. The preliminary round tie kicks off at 5pm on 12 August at the national stadium in Dhaka.
Speaking at Monday’s press conference, Haque struck an upbeat tone despite acknowledging the threat posed by Muras United. “When the group, especially the opponent, was confirmed, we started working straight away. My plan was to prepare for four weeks, but for some reason that didn’t happen. Including today, we have trained for 26 days,” he said.
Diabate, who joined from Mohammedan Sporting Club this season, linked up with the squad only a day earlier. “I’ve known him for six years, even though he was in the opponent’s team. In yesterday’s session he picked up our tactics quickly. If he can execute even 50 percent tomorrow, I’ll be happy,” Haque added. He confirmed he intends to field Diabate and Al Amin from the start, with Morsalin and Kazem Shah also strengthening the side compared to last year.
Abahani captain Asaduzzaman Babu echoed his coach’s confidence. “We’ve had a good 26-day preparation. We are quite hopeful against Muras United, inshallah something good will happen.”
Muras United, formed in 2023, have already lifted two Kyrgyzstan Cups. Head coach Puchkov Sergi has built a squad with a mix of local and foreign talent, including four Ukrainian defenders. Haque warned that their European-style play, quick switches and tactical flexibility could be dangerous. “Technically and tactically we may be behind, but mentally we must stay ahead. Sometimes it’s easy to break an opponent mentally that’s the path I’m taking,” he said.
The match will also be a test of Abahani’s ability to counter the professional structure and facilities of their Central Asian visitors. Haque remains optimistic: “If my players can execute our plans and strengths on the pitch, then something good will happen.”