Abahani, Muktijoddha ease into quarterfinals

Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad eased into the quarterfinal stage of the season's curtain-raising tournament, Independence Cup, with comfortable victories against their respective opponents in the second match-day of Group C on Saturday.

Defending champions Abahani, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Uttara FC, beat qualifiers Air Force 3-1 at the Birshreshtha Flt Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj to ensure their last-eight berth. Young forward Meraj Hossain cancelled out Suman's 11th minute opener for Air Force two minutes later before Daniel Colindres put the Sky Blues in front in the 32nd minute. New Brazilian recruit Getterson Alves Santos, who opened his account in his first match in Bangladesh on Tuesday, wrapped up the victory in the 43rd minute.

In the other match of the day, fallen giants Muktijoddha Sangsad KC thrashed Uttara FC 3-0 at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj, with Sojib, Soma Otani and Rashed scoring for the men in red.

Muktijoddha currently leads the group on goal difference ahead of Abahani, with the group winners to be decided on Wednesday after the last match of this group between the two teams.