Bangladesh Premier League champions Dhaka Abahani Limited made a frustrating start in group E match of the AFC Cup 2017 after conceding 0-2 goals defeat against Maldives champions Maziya Sports and Recreation Club (S&RC) in their home match at Bangabandhu National Stadium here on Tuesday Dhaka Abahani suffered an early goal and conceded the 2nd goal against eight national and four foreign player studded Maziya S&RC.
Mohamed Umair put the Maldives champions Maziya S&RC ahead in the very 5th minute by a left footer, capitalizing on a Imaaz Ahmed pass (1-0) Celebrated booter of Maldives Abdulla Asadhulla sealed the fate of the match scoring one more goal in the 87th minute, also by a left footer from left wing, utilizing a pass of Ali Ashadh (2-0). Dhaka Abahani Limited, which earlier placed in Group E of the Asian Club meet along with Maziya S&RC, and JSW Bengaluru and Mohun Bagan AC of India will play each other at home and away basis.
In the remaining group matches, Abahani Limited will play Mohun Bagan AC at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on April 4, meet JSW Bengaluru at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on April 18, face JSW Bengaluru at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on May 3, play Maziya S&RC at National Stadium in Male on May 17 and Mohun Bagan AC at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on May 31.
A total of 36 champion teams from Asia are taking part in the home and away basis tournament.
