Abahani win first B League title beating Russell KC 2-0

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Abahani Limited clinched the country's first B League (professional football league) title with one match in hand beating Sheikh Russell KC by 2-0 goals at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city Friday, reports UNB.
Abahani Limited secured 44 points from 19 matches to clinch the title in style, five points ahead of Mohammedan SC who with 39 points from 19 matches finished runners-up, also with one match in hand.
By winning the B League crown, the popular "sky blue" Dhanmondi outfit came out of their title drought for long six years after clinching the Premier League crown in 2001.
The current season will be memorable for Abahani Limited as they also won the Premier League titles in cricket and hockey, which they did last in the 1983-84 season.
In the day's one-sided match at the soggy BNS, Abahani Limited led the first half 1-0.
National striker Zahid Hossain Emily and Ghanaian forward Awudu Ibrahim scored one goal each for Abahani Limited to ensure the title.
After dominating the entire first half, Emily put Abahani ahead in the injury time of the first half with his 12th league goal with a header from top of the small box after getting a left flank cross from Mintu (1-0).
After the breather, the high flying Abahani Limited did not take long to score the 2nd and decisive goal in the 49th minute as Ibrahim found the net with a measured left-footed angular shot from the left side of the D-box after getting a through from midfielder Abul Hossain (2-0).
Ibrahim, who rendered a very useful service to the winners, was also involved in a couple of scoring chances.
First in the 15th minute, left winger Abdullah Parvez sent a through to Ibrahim inside the danger zone, but the Ghanaian forward's feeble shot went straight to opponent custodian Zia.
Then in the 34th minute, Ibrahim shot wide of the post from around the penalty spot after getting a through from Emily.
Emily also squandered a chance in the 26th minute as his close range header from the edge of the small box off an Uzzal chip missed the net by a couple of inches.
On the other hand, the off-colour Sheikh Russell KC got their best chance in the 59th minute when Moroccan Noureddine Zaim shot from close range sending the ball well over the post with only a helpless Abahani custodian Biplob to beat.
Abahani Limited will play their last league match against Muktijoddha Sangsad KC on Monday at the BNS.
Abahani: Biplob, Prodeep, Joy, Nazrul, Uzzal, Mintu, Siraji, Abul, Emily, Ibrahim and Abdullah Parvez (Prantosh).
Russell KC: Zia (Niloy), Mahmudul, Mishu, Aminul (Yusuf), Rida, Tanveer, Nayan, Bulbul, Shaukat, Saad and Noureddine.