Abahani Limited blank Arambagh 3-0, on course for title

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League leaders Abahani Limited is on course for the first B League crown as they beat Arambagh KS by 3-0 goals in the day's lone 2nd phase match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city Monday, reports UNB.
Earlier, in the first phase, Abahani Limited blanked Arambagh KS 2-0.
With the day's well-deserved victory, the popular 'sky blue' Dhanmondi outfit took solo lead in the league table securing 41 points from 18 matches, followed by arch rivals Mohammedan SC who have 38 points from 18 outings.
Abahani Limited need just four points from the remaining two matches to ensure the league title, but are likely to face stiff challenge from their last two opponents -- Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and Sheikh Russel KC.
In their two remaining matches, Mohammedan SC will play bottom ranked Khulna Abahani and mediocre Arambagh KS.
With the day's defeat, Arambagh KS remained at 23 points from 18 matches.
In the day's match, defender Kazi Nazrul Islam, striker Zahid Hossain Emily and substitute Zahed Parvez scored for the winners.
Nazrul put Abahani Limited ahead in the 18th minute with a well-taken penalty kick (1-0) after opponent defender Thomas Wangira Biketi fouled on skipper Arif Khan Joy inside the D-box.
After the refreshment break, onrushing Emily netted the 2nd goal in the 56th minute with a tap from the top of the small box utilising a right side Ibrahim minus (2-0).
Substitute Zahed Parvez, replacing Emily, sealed the fate of the match in the 78th minute with a close range right footer capitalising on a left side Uzzal minus (3-0).
Earlier, in the first half, forward Emily after breaking the off side trap could have put his side ahead in the 13th minute, but failed to net a Ibrahim through as opponent custodian Piru came off the post to fist the ball to safety.
In the 41st minute, midfielder Abul Hossain, getting an Emily through, squandered the simplest of chance in the match as he shot the ball well over the crossbar despite an open net.
On the other hand, Arambagh KS, which earned a 2-1 win over strong Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in their previous match, seemed unimpressive as their forwards could hardly break the compact defense of Abahani Limited.
However, they came close to score in the 43rd minute, but a close range Biketi header off a right side Domenic cross was fisted away by Abahani goalie Biplob for corner.
Besides, Kenyan striker Nicodemus, standing in vantage position, failed to head home a Sharif Khan cross in the 69th minute.
Abahani Limited: Biplob, Prodeep, Joy, Nazrul, Uzzal, Mintu, Siraji, Abul (Prantosh), Emily (Zahed), Ibrahim and Abdullah Parvez (Tipu).
Arambagh KS: Monu (Sharif), Ramzan, Thomas, Akram, Iddi (Morshed), Zuku, Domenic, Nicodemus, Ratan, Malay (Ridan) and Piru.
Referee: Taiyub Hassan
Today's match: Farashganj SC vs Chittagong Abahani at BNS (4:15 pm).