The Sky Blues became Group B champions winning all five matches and are set to face local giants Usha Krira Chakra in the second semifinal on Friday. Group B champions Mohammedan, the defending champions, will meet Mariners in tomorrow's first semifinal at 3 pm.

Last year runners-up Abahani had to wait until the 10th minute of the first half to go in front after Indian recruit Ronald Kiran struck from a penalty-corner.

Rajib Ahmed Issa doubled the lead four minutes after the break when the young forward deflected Shahidullah Titoo's hit into the goal.

Mariners, however, did not lose heart and came back into the match with a strike from Prashanta Kumar who brilliantly converted a penalty-corner in the 45th minute. However, Abahani restored their two-goal advantage a minute later thanks to promising striker Russel Mahmud Jimmy.

Jimmy, the highest scorer in the recently concluded Under-21 international tournament in Dhaka, dodged past rival defender Chandan and onrushing goalie Jahangir Alam before hitting the board.

Ace striker Rafiqul Islam Kamal brought Mariners back into contention when he found the target from a goalmouth melee in the 58th minute but Abahani were quick to kill the game with their fourth goal after one minute when Indian marksman Prakash Calke scored with a reverse hit.

Earlier on the day, Ajax Sporting Club defeated Farashganj Sporting Club 5-2 after leading the first half

2-0.