Abahani Limited confirmed the semi-final of the Federation Cup 2023-24 after downing Fortis FC by 3-0 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital city on Tuesday.
The Sky Blues were dominant with the ball from the first minute of the match as their first goal of the match came in just inside the 10 minutes. Cornelius Stewart scored the opener for them to bring the early lead in the game.
Abahani created a brilliant chance from the midfield where Jonathan Fernandez passed the ball towards Washington Brandao in the box and the Brazilian found Stewart open on the other side and tossed him the ball. The Granadian did not make any mistake sending the ball into the net.
Just two minutes later, the Sky Blues had another chance to score when Stewart’s powerful shot was denied by Fortis goalkeeper Shanto Kumar Roy. The goalkeeper, however, could not grab a hold of the ball properly as it rebounded to Jonathan who shot it out wide.
In the 21st minute of the match, Abahani found a corner when defender Milad Sheikhi was able to connect to Jonathan’s cross but Shanto once again saved Fortis.
Washington forced into the Fortis box from the left wing in the 29th minute and his powerful shot hit the far post and came back to Shanto.
The first goal-scoring chance for Fortis came in the 45th minute when their Ukrainian forward Valeriy Gryshyn’s shot from just outside the box was denied by Abahani goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Shohel with his brilliant acrobatic skills.
After two minutes, Abahani found their second goal as their forward Washington scored for them. Fortis' defenders could not match the pace of the Brazilian when he outran them to score the second for Abahani.
The first half ended with Abahani being 2-0 up on the score board.
The Sky Blues continued their aggressive football in the second half. Fortis goalkeeper Shanto saved another powerful shot from Jonathan in the 50th minute.
Valeriy tried his luck in the 60th minute for Fortis but Abahani goalkeeper Shohel saved the ball comfortably.
Jonathan scored the third for Abahani in the 79th minute from a through pass coming from Washington.
Fortis did not try anything to get back in the match as it was impossible. With that win, Abahani confirmed their place in the semi-final with Mohammedan, Police and Bashundhara Kings.
The Sky Blues will play their semi-final match against Bashundhara Kings on 14 May at the Shaheed Bir Sreshtho Flight Lt. Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshigonj.
