Bangladesh Premier League defending champions Abahani Ltd Dhaka have secured their ticket for the knock out stage of the ongoing AFC Cup 2019 defeating Indian club Minerva Punjab 1-0.
The match was held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in India’s Guwahati on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bangladesh delegation were successful to win the nail-biting match against their Indian opponents with their Afghan defender Masih Saighani’s last moment goal.
Despite several strong attempts, Abahani’s star forwards and midfielders including Jibon and former Bangladesh skipper Mamunul, who are famous for scoring even in tough times, could not score during the total 90 minutes of the play.
Finally, the Afghan defender brought the cheerful occasion for the Sky Blues netting the only goal of the match with an amazing header at the third additional minute of the second half.
After this victory, Abahani accumulated a total of 13 points and became the group E champions to reach the zonal play-off semifinals as they won four matches and drew another out of six.
Notably, the Sky Blues have become the first Bangladeshi club to play in the knock out stage of this very tournament.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC beat Manang Marshyangdi Club 3-2 in another group stage match today.
