Abahani aim to break Maldivian jinx

Following another fruitful household season, six-time Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani are good to go to set out on another worldwide battle when the Sky Blues square off against Maldives Premier League champions New Radiant SC in the AFC Cup Qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. 

The match will get in progress at 4:15pm. 

Abahani have never gone past the qualifying phases of any AFC-endorsed competition previously however the Dhanmondi-based outfit are expecting something better this time around. Their gathering, Group E, comprises of two Indian clubs a Maldivian group as it did in the past release, where Abahani completed toward the end in their gathering. 

In spite of the fact that Abahani have secured a couple of focuses against Indian clubs, they have neglected to do as such against any side from Maldives, who are presently better than Bangladesh at both the national and club level. 

Last season Abahani endured 2-0 massacres on account of Maziya S&RC in two experiences while Saif SC surrendered to two thrashings in the AFC Cup play-off Qualifiers against TC Sports Club, who likewise beat Abahani 1-0 in the Sheik Kamal International Club Cup in 2017. 

Passing by late outcomes, New Radiant - helped by nine current national players, three Spanish fares and an Afghan - will be a power to be figured with in spite of Abahani having the home favorable position, despite the fact that the Sky Blues need to evade that pattern. 

"We were accustomed to beating Maldivian sides at any level. I even scored twice against New Radiant SC despite the fact that I was not scorer. We have endured in each match in the current past. It will be beneficial for us on the off chance that we can leave this losing streak against Maldives," said Abahani mentor Saiful Bari Titu. 

"We have dealt with the adversaries' playstyle, arrangement and mix nearby setting ourselves up as indicated by our quality. I think our young men are prepared and spurred to improve against New Radiant and I can guarantee you that the young men will battle for the outcome," said the previous national footballer. 

Abahani will likewise be planning to interpret their residential exhibitions onto the worldwide scene within the sight of effective striking twosome Emeka Darlington and Sunday Chizoba. What's more, the incorporation of Japanese midfielder Seiya Kojima and Nigerian safeguard Nigerian Alison Udoka will likewise absolutely support them in their interest. 

Oscar Bruzon, Titu's partner, has great choices himself, with strikers Ali Faisar and the celebrated around the world Ali Ashfaq in rich vein of shape. Be that as it may, the Spaniard was worried by the state of the Bangabandhu National Stadium as New Radiant's ownership amusement depends on a smooth surface. 

"We have observed a few recordings of Abahani and examined two things - one was the pitch and the second was their playstyle. We are very much educated about their long, second ball and physical diversion however we don't think about the state of pitch right now," said Oscar. "We are a group who get a kick out of the chance to play ownership football and control the amusement, yet that relies upon the state of the pitch, which we will see this evening amid our planned practice." 

"Diligent work, certainty, solidarity, battling soul and comprehension of what they can play are parts behind our residential victories and what saw us stay unbeaten for 17 back to back amusements in last season. In any case, tomorrow's diversion is the hardest one since this competition is harder than our local rivalry," said Oscar, who guided New Radiant to a treble last season.