Dhaka Abahani reach semi-final in style

Costa Rican forward Daniel Colindres struck twice as Abahani Limited, Dhaka, as the first team, reached semifinal of the Independence Cup Football crushing ten men Bangladesh Army Football team by 4-0 goals in the first quarterfinal on Friday at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, reports UNB.

The day's win saw, the traditional sky blue Dhanmondi outfit will now play the first semifinal against the day's second quarterfinal winners' Saif Sporting Club on Tuesday at the same venue.

Apart from the brace from Daniel Colindres, forward Nabib Newaj Jibon and midfielder Emon Mahmud supported him with one goal each for the winners' who led the first half by 1-0 goal.

In the day's match, Colindres broke the deadlock scoring the first goal for Abahani Limited in the 45th minute while after the breather he doubled the lead in the 70th minute of the match.

Jibon further widened the team's margin scoring the third goal for Abahani Limited in the 67th minute while Emon completed the winners' tally scoring the fourth goal in the 70th minute of the match.

Abahani Limited clearly dominated the entire proceeding and notched their deserving victory while Bangladesh Army Football team were totally off-coloured.

Kabir of Bangladesh Army Football team was shown direct red card by the referee for his unsporting behaviour.

Meanwhile, the remaining two quarterfinals will be held on Sunday with group B champions Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited will take on group D runners-up Bangladesh Police Football Club at 5.15 pm while group D champions Bashundhara Kings face group B runners-up Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at 8.00pm.

Abahani Limited, earlier in their group matches, beat Swadhinata Krira Sangha by 2-1 goals and emerged as group champions by defeating Rahmatganj Muslim and Friends Society by 3-1 goals in their last group match while Army Football team lost to Saif Sporting Club by 1-2 goals in their group opening match, beat Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited by 2-1 goals and played to a 1-1 goal draw with

Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra in their third and last group match.