Abahani lose AFC Cup opener

Abahani made a losing start to their AFC Cup campaign, losing 1-0 at home against Maldives Premier League champions New Radiant SC in their Group E encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.

Veteran forward Ali Fasir scored the only goal of the game in the 58th minute of the match with an angular shot from inside the box after Mohamed Umair put a long ball from the midfield.

Abahani’s hopes of a comeback received a huge blow when Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba was sent off for a second yellow card in the 65th minute. 

Abahani brought two changes in the second half but they could not stop the losing streak at the hands of Maldivian oppositions. The Sky Blues will play their second match against Bengaluru FC on March 14 in India.