Abahani Limited moved to the second round of the Federation Cup as unbeaten champions from Group B with a 2-0 win over Rahmatganj MFS, while last edition鈥檚 runners-up Mohammedan Sporting Club signed off their campaign with a 5-2 win over Fakirerpool Young Men鈥檚 Club on Friday.
With Bashundhara Kings and Brothers Union already qualified from Group A, the match between Abahani and Rahmatganj was decisive for Group B standings.
Now, Group B champions Abahani, who won all four group matches, will face Group A champions Bashundhara Kings in the qualification round to the final-1 match on April 8, while Brothers Union and Rahmatganj MFS will square off in the final-2 match on April 15.
The winners between Abahani and Kings will enter into the final, while the losing side will play the qualification round to the final-3 match against the winners between Rahmatganj and Brothers for a spot in the final.
At the Kings Arena, Abahani delivered a strong performance against Rahmatganj, who came into the match on the back of three consecutive wins, including one against Mohammedan.
Despite their efforts, Rahmatganj surrendered to Abahani, an outfit playing the domestic competition without foreign players.
The Sky Blues took the lead in the 12th minute with a placing shot from Enamul Islam Gazi after winger Shahriar Emon cut-back a miscued clearance of Rahmatganj defender Istekharul Alam Shakil.
Rahmatganj, however, missed three good chances to come back in the match, but Samuel Boateng and substitute Nabib Newaj Jibon squandered all the opportunities before midfielder Md Ridoy headed a Mohammad Ibrahim centre home following a corner in the 60th minute to seal the match.
In Mymensingh, Mohammedan recorded a 5-2 win over Fakirerpool with Moinul Islam Moin and Arif Hossain scoring two goals each while Fakirerpool鈥檚 Sabbir Hossain struck an own goal.
Rafayel Tudu and Akobir Turaev scored consolation goals for Fakirerpool.