To clinch the title, it will be very tough task for Abahani Limited, known as The Sky Blue Brigade. Six-time champions of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), have a lot of achievements in their bags. But the golden days had gone now. Abahani Limited, is now in third place with 25 points from seven wins, four draws and one defeat in the first phase.
The BPL first phase completed on Sunday with the last match of round 13 between Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) on March 7. The second phase will kick off on April 8.
The Sky Blue Brigade scored 23 and conceded 12 goals in the first phase of the season. Abahani Limited began their journey with a solitary goal against Bangladesh Police on January 14 at the BNS; they also beat Uttar Baridhara by 2-1 in their last outings in the first round.
Title contenders Sky Blue’s biggest win was against Arambagh by 4-0 at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on February 13. Team’s Brazilian striker Francisco Torres scored seven goals in this season and very efficient and skilled player.
Abanani’s Portugal coach Mario Licinio Guerreiro Lemos said, “We are hopeful to clinch the title, but it is not easy task. Bashundhara Kings, the league leaders now are in the top position. They have 34 points. But we have only 25 that means we are nine points behind them.”
“If we want to win the title, every match is very important for us. Players should have to fight for 12 matches in the second phase. Otherwise, it is impossible to become champions in this season,” coach added.
