Abahani crash out; Rahmatganj progress on goal difference

Mohammad Abdullah’s second-half strike proved decisive as PWD Sports Club edged Abahani 1-0, knocking the Sky Blues out of the Federation Cup at the Kings Arena in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Needing only to avoid defeat in their final Group A fixture to reach the playoffs, Abahani saw their hopes dashed when Abdullah struck in the 66th minute. PWD held on for the win but still fell short of qualification, as Rahmatganj MFS advanced ahead of them on goal difference.

Rahmatganj, who played out a goalless draw against Fakirerpool YMC at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on the same day, finished as Group A runners-up with six points to secure a place in the next round.

They will face Group B runners-up Mohammedan in the elimination match on May 5 in Cumilla. On the same day, Group A champions Bashundhara Kings will take on Brothers Union in the first qualifier at the Kings Arena.

The second qualifier -- between the losers of Qualifier 1 and the winners of the elimination match -- will be held in Cumilla on May 12, while the final is scheduled for May 19 at the Kings Arena.