Abahani through as group champions

Abahani booked a place in the inter-zone playoff of the AFC Cup for the first time after emerging Group E champions following a 1-0 win away to Minerva Punjab in Guwahati, Assam today.

Afghan defender Masih Saighani scored the all-important goal in the third minute of stoppage time for the Sky Blues, who sealed the top spot in the group with 13 points from six matches. Chennaiyin FC of India, who were also contention for the lone spot in the playoff, finished runner-up despite a 3-2 win against Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal in Kathmandu today.

This is the first time Abahani, the six-time professional league winners of Bangladesh, have managed to cross the group-stage hurdle of Asia's second-tier club competition.