Sheikh Russel KC reach final of Independence Cup

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra reached final of the Bashundhara Group Independence Cup Football beating defending champions Abahani Limited Dhaka by 3-2 goals in the exciting first semifinal match held today (Wednesday) at Bir Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj.

Sheikh Russel KC will now play the final match against winners of the second semifinal either Bashundhara Kings or Bangladesh Police Football Club scheduled to be held on December 5.

The second semifinal will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj at 1 pm.

In the proceeding, Ivorian midfielder Kpehi Jean Charles Didier, Nigerian forward Mfon Sunday and Uzbekistan defender Timur Talipoy scored one goal each for Sheikh Russel who led the first half by 1-0 goal.

Nigerian forward Peter Nworah and Costa Rica forward Daniel Colendres netted one goal apiece for Abahani Limited.

Kpehi Jean Charles Didier opened an account scoring the first goal for Sheikh Russel in the 31st minute while after the resumption Sunday doubled the lead scoring the second goal for Sheikh Russel in the 54th minute of the match.

Peter Nworah brought back Abahani in the match as he pulled one back scoring the first goal in the 64th minute while Timur Talipoy further widened the margin scoring the third goal for Sheikh Russel in the 72nd minute.

Daniel reduced the margin scoring the second goal for Abahani Limited converting a penalty in the 90+5th minute of the match.

Kpehi Jean Charles Didier of Sheih Russel Krira Chakra was named the player of the match for his impressive performance in the match.

Sheikh Russel KC earlier played out to a 1-1 draw with Fortis Football Club in their group A opening match, blanked Bangladesh Navy Football Club by 2-0 goals in their second group match and emerged group champions beating Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited by 3-0 goals in their third match of the group.

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, rode on late goal by Nigerian forward Mfon Sunday Udoh, eventually confirmed their spot of semifinal beating Chittagong Abahani Limited by 1-0 goal in the first quarterfinal match.

The popular sky blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani Limited earlier made a winning start in the tournament beating Uttara Football Club by 2-0 goals in their opening group C match, beat Bangladesh Air Force Football Club by 3-1 goals in their second group match and emerged group top with a 3-1 goal victory over Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sabngsad Krira Chakra in their third group match.

The defending champions reached to the semifinal beating Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Limited by 2-1 goals in the third quarterfinal match.

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