Six times Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani Limited beat Eagles of Maldives by 2-1 goals in their first qualifying match of the AFC Cup held at Sylhet to District Stadium in Sylhet on Wednesday.

Abahani will now have to play another play-off to cross the hurdle on August 22 to play in the main stage of the AFC Cup.

The Mario Lemos's men however took the lead in the 21st minute as Cornelius Ezekiel sent the ball home with powerful header from close range on a cross from Ojukwu Ifegwu.

The Maldivian Club, however, staged a brilliant fight back in the 63rd minutes with Ahmed Rizuvan volleying home from Milovan Petrovic's free-kick.

At one stage it was seemed the match was heading for a draw but the popular sky blur Dhanmondi outfit sealed the victory with one minute remaining of stipulated time, with Augusto headed the ball home utilizing a corner from Muzaffarov's.

Earlier, Abahani began to dominate the proceeding creating several scoring chances. Foreign recruit Muzaffarov launched the attack in the very 5th minute, but Eagles custodian saved the attempt brilliantly.

Muzaffarov again took another powerful shot from outside the D box in the 15th minute and Eagles custodian again frustrated Abahani denying the goal as he gripped the ball brilliantly.

Eagles got a real scoring chance to restore the parity in the 56th minute as Eagles captain Ahmed Rizuvan took a shot from the vantage position but the ball sailed harmlessly over the cross bar.

Abahani came close to extend their lead in the 73rd minute. Foreign recruit Cornelius ran down to the D box with his solo effort and took a shot though the ball went out of play.

BDST: 2030 HRS, AUGUST 16, 2023
MN/SMS