Abahani seal first BFL win

Title contenders Abahani finally secured their first victory in the ongoing Bangladesh Football League with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh Police in their home match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla today.

Malian forward Souleymane Diabate opened the scoring before Enamul Islam Gazi doubled the lead for the six-time professional league champions, delivering their first triumph in four matches after two consecutive defeats and a draw.

Coming off a 3-2 loss to archrivals Mohammedan SC, the Sky Blues needed to bounce back in a match against Bangladesh Police, a side that had often troubled them in the past, with five draws in 12 league meetings. Police showed similar resilience from the outset, but Abahani broke through in the 25th minute. Diabate converted from the spot after defender Ismail Hossain pushed him from behind while he was chasing a long ball from Alomgir Molla.

Both teams fought for midfield control, but Abahani extended their lead in the 43rd minute. Enamul produced a brilliant finish, turning to volley a Sheikh Morsalin free-kick inside the box, leaving Police goalkeeper Rakibul Islam stunned.

Abahani protected their two-goal cushion to seal the much-needed win and climbed to sixth place with four points from four matches.

At the Shaheed Miraj-Tapan Stadium in Manikganj, Fortis FC returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over winless Arambagh KS, following a draw against Police FC and a defeat to Bashundhara Kings. Riaj Uddin Sagor scored in the 16th minute, tapping in from close range after a free-kick from captain Pa Omar Babou was deflected off the Arambagh wall. Arambagh, with three defeats and a draw, sit at the bottom of the 10-team table alongside Fakirerpool Young Men's Club, while Fortis climbed to third with seven points from four matches.