Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani Ltd played out 1-1 draw against I-League champions Aizawl Football Club of India in their group match of the AFC Cup Football Tournament at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday.
Abahani took the lead in the 31st minute as Nigerian forward Emeka Darlington Onuoha converted a spot kick firing the net through the bottom left corner, 1-0.
Aizawl FC’s defender made a foul with onrushing Darlington in the danger zone and the referee awarded the penalty to Abahani that was converted by Darlington to dominate the first half by the solitary goal.
Aizawl FC started the 2nd half in an orderly manner and reaped the success in the 65th minute with its Romanian midfielder Andrei Ionescu’s right-footed shot from a very close range to the top right corner of the post off a cross from Leonce Dodoz Zikahi, 1-1.
Waly Faisal saved Abahani in the 16th minute, clearing an attempt of Aizawl FC’s captain Alfred Kemah Jaryan’s from the goal-line after missing out the ball from goalie and captain Sahidul Islam Sohel’s grip.
Abahani spoiled a golden chance in the 21st minute as opponent side’s goalie denied a spot kick of Sunday Chizoba Nwadialu.
Earlier, Abahani got the same side for a 3-0 victory in their away match at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on April 11 following a 0-1 defeat each against New Radiant Club [Maldives] and Bengaluru FC [India].
Aizawl FC got the 1-1 draw game after three successive losses in their previous game in the tournament.
All the league champion clubs among the member countries of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are taking part in the AFC Cup and Abahani Ltd are representing Bangladesh in the prestigious tournament.
