Abahani, Kings face off in Independence Cup semi Friday

Diego Andres Cruciani’s Abahani won all three group matches quite comfortably before beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the quarter-final shootout.

Abahani Limited and holders Bashundhara Kings take on each other in the second semi-final of the Independence Cup in the capital’s Kings Arena Friday afternoon.

Diego Andres Cruciani’s Abahani won all three group matches quite comfortably before beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the quarter-final shootout.

On the other hand, Oscar Bruzon’s Bangladesh Premier League champions won one and drew the other in two group games before beating Army football team in the last eight.

Kings turn their focus to the crucial Independence Cup semi-final after concluding the AFC Cup fixtures last Monday.

They clinched last year’s title after beating Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra on penalties, while Abahani finished third after thrashing Police FC in the place decider.

Elsewhere, Federation Cup winners Mohammedan Sporting Club will face Rahmatganj MFS in the day’s first semi-final at Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani Stadium in Gopalganj at 1:45pm.

Bangladesh Football Federation’s Youtube channel will telecast both the matches live, while T Sports will broadcast the Abahani-Kings clash which will kick off at 4pm.

The final of the season’s curtain raiser is scheduled to be held in Gopalganj Monday.