Sk Kamal Football: Ctg Abahani reach semifinal

Former champions and hosts Chattogram Abahani Limited assured the semifinal berth from Group A in the 3rd edition of the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup Football Tournament beating Young Elephants FC of Laos 4-2 in their second match at the floodlit MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday, reports UNB. 

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan netted twice, Nigerian forward Chinedu Matthew and Montenegrin striker Rotkovic Luka scored one goal each for Chattogram Abahani Ltd while defender Aphixay Thanakhanty and forward Somxay Keohanam scored one goal each for Young Elephants FC.

Chattogram Abahani opened their account in the 9th minute as their Nigerian forward Chinedu Matthew found the net by a volley from the danger zone, capitalizing on a cut back of Rotkovic Luka (1-0).

But just after five minutes (14th minute), defender Aphixay Thanakhanty leveled the margin for Young Elephants FC by a long-range direct free-kick (1-1).

In the 33rd minute, forward Somxay Keohanam put Young Elephants ahead from behind scoring the 2nd goal for his team by close-range left-footer inside from the box (2-1).

After conceding the goal, hosts Chattogram Abahani reorganized themselves and continued their attacking football from the very beginning of the second half.

They took its fruits in the 54th minute when their striker Rotkovic Luka equalized the margin, utilizing a cross of his captain Jamal Bhuiyan (2-2).

In the 72nd minute, midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan, who came on loan from Saif Sporting Club, netted his first goal by a left footer grounder inside from the box (3-2).

Just after six minutes (78th minute), Jamal Bhuiyan sealed the fate of the match scoring his 2nd and the 4th goal for Chattogram Abahani from a corner-kick (4-2).

Captain cum midfielder of Young Elephants FC Chanthachone Thinolath and Riyadul Hasan Rafi of Chattogram Abahani received yellow card in the match.

Chattogram Abahani: Md Nehal, Jamal Bhuiyan, Kpehi Jean Charles Didier, Rotkovic Luka, Sohel Rana, Ariful Islam (Kawsar Rabbi-93rd), Chinedu Matthew (Plane Pater-92nd), Ikbol Jon, Yeasin Arafat, Kawasar Ali Rabbi and Riyadul Hasan Rafi.

Young Elephants: Kittisak Phomvongsa, Somxay Keohanam, Kiengthavesak Xayxanapanya (Chitpasong Latthachack-56th), Sonevilay Sihavong, Bounphachan Bounkong, Phimmasone Champathong (Chansamone-78th), Kaharn Phetsivilay, Aphixay Thanakhanty, Chanthachone Thinolath, Solasak Thilavong and Somlith Sengvanny.