Sports Reporter :
A second half surge from FC Muras United secured the Kyrgyz Republic side a 2-0 win over Abahani Limited Dhaka in their AFC Challenge League Preliminary Stage match at the National Stadium, Dhaka on Tuesday.
The first half of the match was a goalless draw. The Kyrgyz club scored the only winning goal in the third minute of the second half. Muras broke the deadlock when Andriy Batsula’s precise cross found Atai Dzhumashev, who rose unmarked to head past Mitul. Abahani’s defenders could not keep him in the marking.
Abahani had a chance six minutes later when Souleymane Diabate muscled his way into the box but with only Muras keeper Kalysbek Akimaliev to beat, the Malian forward curled his effort over the bar.
Muras’s aggressive mode continued in the second half and they took the lead two minutes in when Dzhumashev finished off Andriy Batsula’s cross with a powerful header from close range.
Muras proved not only physically stronger than the Bashundhara Bangladesh Premier League outfit but also superior in technique and tactics.
Abahani were fortunate not to concede again in the 52nd minute when Alygulov’s shot flew over the bar. They tried to respond in the 72nd minute, but Morsalin, set up by Diabate, could only steer his effort wide.
Just two minutes into the second half, Muras broke the deadlock. Andriy Batsula’s pinpoint cross found Atai Dzhumashev, who rose unmarked to head home past Mitul. Abahani’s hopes faded further in stoppage time when a defensive lapse allowed Dzhumashev to slot in his second, sealing both Muras’s victory and their place in the main round.
