B League champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a flying start in the much-talked-about Citycell Super Cup Football 2009 outplaying Rahmatganj MFS by 3-0 goals in the inaugural match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Wednesday, reports UNB.
Nigerian striker Emeka Christian Ibe struck twice for the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit one goal in each half while Rahmatganj stopper Shipon scored a suicidal goal in the 2nd half to complete the Abahani tally 3-0.
Earlier, BFF president and legendary footballer Kazi Mohahmad Salahuddin inaugurated the eight-team ever-richest domestic football tourney Wednesday afternoon at a colourful function. CEO of the meet's sponsor Citycell Michel Seamour was present on the occasion.
The BFF cancelled the cultural programme of its opening ceremony scheduled to be staged by Channel i `Khudey Gaanraj' (child singers) due to the National Mourning Day.
Abahani Limited, which have a rare honour of winning the maiden titles of both the national football and the B League, also started their Super Cup campaign with good reputation dominating their old Dhaka rivals, except for few minutes in the 2nd half.
After the match, Abahani captain and national defender Kazi Nazrul Islam said, "Our first target is to reach the semifinal and it has now become easier with the day's win."
Rahmatganj coach Mir Faruk, in his immediate reaction said, "I'm not unhappy with the day's team performance, but luck is very important for a win, we didn't have it today (Wednesday)."
In the day's match, Emeka put Abahani Limited ahead in the 2nd minute of the match by pushing the ball home from a handshake distance capitalising on a low-cross from Abul Hossain amid cheers from some 7,000 soccer fans at the big bowl.
Abahani took a 2-0 lead in the 57th minute when Rahmatganj defender Nurul Amin Shipon headed to his own net at the time of foiling an attempt of Waly Faisal.
Emeka further widened the Abahani margin in the 81st minute by a cool close range placing shot dodging past opponent custodian entering the danger zone from right wing, off an Ibrahim pass from midfield (3-0).
Earlier in the 60th minute, Rahmatganj defender Imroze Chowdhury saved his castle brilliantly foiling an Abahani striker Emeka attempt from goal line.
Besides, Emeka and Abul of Abahani, and Idris of Rahmatganj, came close to scoring but failed to utilise the chances.
Mostafa Kaba of Rahmatganj and Emeka of Abahani were cautioned with yellow card during the match.
Abahani Limited- Biplob, Nazrul, Sujon, Yussif, Waly (Siraji), Joy, Mamun, Ameli, Emeka, Abul (Prantosh) and Ibrahim.
Rahmatganj MFS- Ali, Shipon, Kaba, Jahangir, Imroze, Kabir, Tajul, Biddyut, Felix, Francis and Idris.
Referee-Azad Rahman
The Cup champions will receive the ever-biggest prize money of Tk 10 million, while Cup runners-up will get Tk 2.0 million and the 3rd and 4th ranked teams will be richer by Tk 0.7 million and Tk 0.5 million respectively.
The Plate champions will be richer by Tk 0.4 million, runners-up team will get Tk 0.3 million while the two losing semifinalists will get Tk 0.2 million each.
