Bangladesh: Abahani want to put it right
 |
| Bangladesh |
November 8, 2004
The Daily Star, Bangladesh
> Page Views 1390
Last year's losing finalists Abahani will have a chance to erase their unhappy memories when they take on Mariner Youngs Club in the final of the fifth Club Cup Hockey Tournament today.
The final of the domestic season's curtain-raiser tournament will kick off at 2.30 pm at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium with Abahani holding an edge after a 4-2 win over the Arambagh outfit in a group encounter.
Abahani captain Hedayetul Islam Rajib believes that winning their earlier meeting would be an advantage in the final.
"Mariner are a strong side but we have also played very well in the tournament. That victory will give us more confidence to win the title which eluded us last year," said the Sky Blues midfielder whose side snatched a late equaliser in a 3-3 draw against Usha Krira Chakra in the semifinals before winning on penalties.
Abahani had won all their group matches but their defence had a nighmare in the semifinal without Nakib.
"Nakib's injury forced him out of the semifinals but I think he has recovered well and will be there tomorrow," Rajib added.
Mariner captain Rafiqul Islam Kamal said that his teammates are riding high after eliminating last year's champions Mohammedan Sporting Club in the semis.
"Abahani are a big name, I admit, but that loss in the group match won't matter tomorrow because it's a different game," said the leading marksman of the country.
Mariner have included a third Pakistani player -- midfielder Sumair Selim -- in the squad in addition to defender Billal Saeed and attacking midfiedler Yamin Bhatti.
Still, Mariner coach Jamal Haider believed that Abahani's Indian recruit Ronald Kiran was a danger man.
"Kiran can make the difference between both sides. Although he is a defender, he always joins the attack and plays an important role down the flanks," the former national stick wielder said.
Abahani are also going into the match with three foreigners, penalty-corner specialist Kiran, forward Prakash Calke and centre-half MB Ramarao.
Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.
|
