Abahani falter again

Title contenders Abahani suffered another jolt in the Bangladesh Premier League as the six-time champions surrendered the lead twice to play out a 2-2 draw against hosts Sheikh Russel at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka yesterday.

A third draw in six matches means the Sky Blues are gradually exiting the title race. Abahani have 12 points, three less than leaders Bashundhara Kings who have a game in hand.

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Brazilian playmaker Raphael Augusto provided Abahani a 60th-minute lead with a close-range header but Congolese forward Mpia Mapuku equalised seven minutes later for Sheikh Russel, who lost to Sheikh Jamal in their previous match.

Eleta Kingsley restored the lead for Abahani with a header in the 84th minute but the vulnerable Abahani backline allowed Sheikh Russel to equalise again through Sunday Udoh, who was assisted by Jamal Bhuiyan.

In the day's other matches, Mohammedan lost points in a 1-1 draw against Sheikh Jamal in Cumilla while Bangladesh Police FC notched their second victory with an emphatic 4-0 win over Azampur FC.