UNB, Chittagong :Host Chittagong Abahani Ltd will play the first semifinal of the eight-team Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup football tournament against De Spin Ghar Bazan FC of Afghanistan at MA Aziz Stadium here on Tuesday.The semifinal will start at 7:40 pm with huge enthusiasm of local soccer fans. Ctg Abahani coach Saifuqul Islam Manik believes that his team has the strength to reach the final, despite having their less scope to prepare his team for the tournament.Allowing Bazan FC as a South Asian strong team Manik said, “We hope we’ll play the final, although our opponent is strong as team.”The coah also expressed his pleasure as his midfielder Zahid Hussain made the only hat-trick in the tournament in group stage. On the other hand, Bazan FC coach Wahidullah also expressed his positive views saying “Hopefully we’ll win in the semifinal.””As opponent we’ll rate them good as host and with their home-ground advantage, but we hope for a win,” the coach continued.Bothe teams’ coaches came up with their positive hops at a press conference on the eve of the semifinal at MA Aziz Stadium conference room on Monday.Chittagong Abahani Ltd made an hour long practice session at Chittagong Bandar Stadium before their semifinal battle while Bazan FC at Dampara Police Line ground here on Monday. Ctg Abahani reached the semifinal as Group-B runners-up securing 6 points from three matches with two wins and one loss while Bazan FC confirmed their semifinal berth as unbeaten group-A champion bagging tournament highest 7 points with two wins and a draw.On their way to semifinal, Ctg Abahani crushed all losers Karachi Electric FC by 4-2 goals with Zhahid Hossain’s only hat-trick in the tournament and beat Dhaka Abahani Ltd by a solitary goal in their 2nd match while started their tournament campaign with a dismal 1-2 loss against Kingfisher East Bengal FC.Bazan FC continued their tournament campaign with a 1-0 win against Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd then played a 3-3 match against Kolkata Mohammedan SC and finally took the top slot outplaying Sloid Sports Club of Sri Lanka by 3-1 goals.Channel 9 will telecast live the semifinal as media partner.
