Abahani, Bashundhara Kings register win

Federation Cup champions Dhaka Abahani Limited got off to a good start in the 13-team Independence Cup Football Tournament beating Muktijoddha Sangsad KC by 2-1 goals in the Group C opener at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city on Sunday, reports UNB.
In the day's 2nd match, Federation Cup runners-up and big-budgeted Bashundhara Kings beat Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by 2-0 goals in death Group D affairs at the same venue with Nasiruddin and Baktyir scoring one each in the 18th and 28th minute of the match respectively.
After a barren first half in the day's first match, substitute forward Faisal Ahmed Shetal scored both the goals for sky-blue popular Dhanmondi outfit Abahani Limited in a span of only one minute (76th and 78th minute) while Japanese Yousuke Kato netted the lone goal for the freedom fighters team Muktijoddha SKC in the stoppage time (92nd minute) from a penalty (2-1).
Faisal, who entered the field replacing Jewel Rana, opened the Abahani account in the 76th minute, pushing the ball home off a cutback of Rubel Mia (1-0).
He again doubled the Abahani margin in the 78th minute by a good header, utilising a cross of Haitian booter Kervens Belfort (2-0).
Japanese footballer Yousuke reduced the margin for Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in the 2nd minute of the stoppage time (92nd minute) from a penalty (2-1).
The freedom fighters' team got the spot kick when one of the Abahani defenders fouled rushing Yousuke in the danger zone and Yousuke did no mistake to convert the spot kick.
Thirteen teams, split into four groups, are initially taking part in the meet with three semifinalists of the just concluded Federation Cup-Bashundhara Kings, Sheikh Jamal DC and Sheikh Russel KC-putting together in Group D.
Groupings are: Group A - Saif Sporting Club, Arambagh KS and Team BJMC GroupB - Chattogram Abahani, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Rahmatganj MFS and Nofel SC Group C - Dhaka Abahani, Brothers Union and Muktijoddha Sangasd KC Group D Sheikh Jamal DC, Sheikh Russel KC and Bashundhara Kings.
On completion of Group matches on December 09, two top teams from each of the groups will play in the quarterfinals on December 11-14, all at 4:30 pm.