PWD victory ends Abahani’s playoff hopes

Dhaka Abahani Limited, the perennial heavyweights and multiple-time champions of the Federation Cup, have suffered a humiliating exit from the tournament after failing to reach the play-off stage.

Despite entering the competition as last season’s runners-up, the Sky Blues saw their campaign crumble following a decisive 1-0 defeat at the hands of PWD at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. 

Needing a victory on Tuesday to keep their mathematical hopes of elimination round, Abahani were unable to rise to the occasion, finishing the group stage with a dismal tally of just four points from four matches.

The match was played under challenging conditions as monsoon rain swept across the country, making the pitch difficult for both sides.

While the encounter at the Kings Arena started on schedule, the heavy downpour hampered the flow of football, leading to a cagey and goalless first half. 

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 66th minute when PWD’s Abdullah produced a clinical finish to give his side the lead.

Despite desperate attempts to salvage their season in the closing stages, Abahani lacked the cutting edge to find an equaliser, marking the first time in five years since their 2020 quarter-final loss to Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society that they have failed to progress to the final four.

The result proved bittersweet for PWD; although the win moved them to six points, they were ultimately edged out of the competition.

Their fate was sealed by Rahmatganj, who secured the runners-up spot in Group A behind champions Brothers Union.

Rahmatganj were held to a draw by Fakirerpool YMC in a rain-delayed fixture at Cumilla.