ZCZC
BSP-12
FOOTBALL-AFC CUP-PREVIEW
Abahani lock-horn with Maziya S&RC in AFC Cup tomorrow
DHAKA, Feb 4, 2020 (BSS)- Abahani Limited will take on Maziya Sorts and
Recreation Club of the Maldives in the pre-qualifying stage-1 of the AFC Cup
scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
The match kicks off at 5 pm.
Abahani Limited created history by reaching zonal semifinal of the AFC Cup
last season, but this season their mission is different as they will have to
play pre-qualifying stage first in order to go to the knock out stage which
they played directly last season as the champions of Bangladesh Premier
League.
However it will not be an easy task for Nabib Newaz Zibon and Co. to
overcome the hurdle as they were earlier frustrated by their Maldives
opponents in the first two appearances in the second-tier club competition of
Asia.
Six times Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani played in the group
stage three times in a row and reached the semifinal only on one occasion.
However, the Dhanmondi ‘outfit’ sees their side have fair chance to go to the
next round.
The popular sky blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani Limited suffered 5-1 defeat
away to New Radiant Club in 2018 following a solitary goal defeat at home.
The previous year (2017) they suffered 2-0 defeats against Maziya S&RC in the
two matches.
Abahani’s performance in the curtain riser Federation Cup last year was
not up to the mark nevertheless the club’s head coach believes that it would
not hammer their performance in the AFC Cup.
On the other hand, Maziya S& RC have come in Bangladesh with a different
mission as they are upbeat to win their first leg against Abahani.
They must be boosted prior to the Wednesday’s match following their 2-0
win over Abahani three years back.
Maziya will play their home match on February 12.
Meanwhile, the football fans will be allowed to enter into the stadium to
enjoy the match without ticket.
BSS/SG/ARS/1735 hrs