Abahani Eliminated as Rahmatganj Secure Semi-Final Spot

Abahani Limited Dhaka, the runners-up of the previous edition, have been eliminated from the Federation Cup following a decisive group-stage defeat. In a high-stakes encounter held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, Abahani suffered a 1-0 loss to PWD, ending their aspirations for a place in the final four. This result, coupled with a stalemate in the day’s other fixture, has finalised the semi-final line-up for the tournament.

Group A Decider: Abahani vs PWD

Entering the final matchday, Abahani Limited faced a “do-or-die” scenario. To remain in contention for the semi-finals, Maruful Haque’s side required an absolute victory against PWD. Despite the pressure, Abahani struggled to break the deadlock during the first half. The defining moment of the match occurred in the 66th minute when Abdullah scored the solitary goal for PWD.

Abahani’s inability to equalise resulted in them finishing the group stage with 4 points from 4 matches. Having entered the game with 4 points from their previous three outings, the defeat remained stagnant their tally, leading to their mathematical exit from the competition.

Rahmatganj’s Progression and the Points Table

Simultaneously, at the Bhasha Shahid Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Comilla, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society faced Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club. The match concluded in a 0-0 draw, providing Rahmatganj with the single point necessary to reach a total of 6 points.

Although PWD also reached 6 points following their victory over Abahani, Rahmatganj secured the second qualification spot from Group A due to a superior goal difference. Brothers Union had already dominated the group, securing the top spot with 10 points.

Federation Cup Final Group A Standings

Upcoming Knockout Fixtures

With the conclusion of the Group A matches, the semi-final pairings are now confirmed. Group B representatives, Bashundhara Kings and Mohammedan Sporting Club, had previously secured their progression.

The tournament will proceed with a structured knockout format scheduled for 5 May:

• Elimination Match: Mohammedan Sporting Club (Group B Runner-up) will face Rahmatganj MFS (Group A Runner-up).

• Qualifier Match: Bashundhara Kings (Group B Winner) will compete against Brothers Union (Group A Winner). The victor of this match will earn direct entry into the final.

The final match of the Federation Cup is scheduled to take place on 19 May. The exit of a powerhouse like Abahani marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of this year’s tournament, leaving the path open for the remaining four contenders.