The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Dhaka Abahani Limited advanced to the semifinals of the Citycell Federation Cup Football Tournament eliminating Sheikh Russell KC by 2-0 goals in the 3nd quarterfinals at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.

National striker Zahid Hasan Emily and former national skipper Arif Khan Joy scored for the popular sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit, one in each half.

Dhaka Abahani will play Farashganj SC in the 1st semifinal on Friday while Dhaka Mohammedan will play the 2nd semifinal on Saturday against the winners of last quarterfinals to be held tomorrow (Thursday) between Chittagong Mohammedan and BKSP.

Abahani earned the deserving victory playing a better game against their rivals for most of the proceeding in a water-soaked ground following afternoon rain.

SK Russell KC failed to manage any good scoring chance all through the match except one.

The start of the match was delayed by about 20 minutes due to heavy rainfall and then it was stopped for about six minutes for insufficient light.

Emily put Abahani ahead in the very first minute of the match by an sharp header from danger zone, utilizing a left wing cross from Awudu Ibrahim (1-0)).

Russell KC came close to level the margin in the 6th minute, but a long distance powerful shot of veteran national striker Alfaz Ahmed returned hitting the cross piece.

Medio Joy widened the margin of Abahani victory in the 80th minute by an angular shot, off an Abul's minus, beating the opponent custodian Titu (2-0).

Yellow cards- Yussif, Joy, Mamun, Waly Faisal (Abahani) and Bourdif, Said and Youness (Sk Russell).

Dhaka Abahani Limited: Biplob, Shiraji, Youssif, Sujon, Waly Faisal, Mamun (Prodip), Joy, Prantosh (Zahed), Abul, Emily and Ibrahim (Tipu).

Sheikh Russell KC - Titumir, Parvez, Hasan (Zahirul), Bourdif, Aminul, Tanveer, Jhony, Said, Manwar (Bulbul), Alfaz and Youness.

Referee - Abdul Hannan Miran

Today's match: Chittagong Mohammedan vs BKSP (6:pm)