Rampaging Abahani put six past Jamal

A couple of braces from Dorielton Gomes and Nabib Newaj Jibon aided Abahani Dhaka to advance into the semifinals of Bashundhara Group Federation Cup by demolishing Sheikh Jamal DC 6-0 in the fourth and final quarterfinal at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium tonight.

Abahani will be up against the last edition's runners-up Saif Sporting Club on Thursday after Mohammedan Sporting Club take on Rahmatganj MFS in the first semifinal at the same venue.

Eleven-time Federation Cup champions Abahani verified their favourites tag over the three-time champions Jamal with scintillating performances from Brazilian duo Dorielton and Raphael Augusto and Costa Rican Colindres, as the foreign recruits shared four goals between them. Later Jibon replaced Dorielton to join the party by scoring two goals.

Abahani players celebrate after scoring. Photo: BFF

The Sky Blues looked impressive from the word go after Abahani's Portuguese coach Mario Lemos introduced five changes to the squad, which lost to Sheikh Russel KC in the 13-12 marathon shootout during the final match of the group stage.

With Augusto and Emon Mahmud building the play from the midfield, Dorielton and Colindres threatened the backline of the Dhanmondi-based outfit. Soon, Abahani were rewarded with the opener when Dorielton struck in the 22th minute, availing a free-kick from Colindres.

Augusto doubled the lead in the 35th minute after referee Mizanur Rahman awarded Abahani a penalty even though Shakil Ahmed's tackle on Rakib Hossain seemed to have occurred outside the edge of the box.

In the second half, Jamal somewhat regrouped to mount pressure on Abahani's backline. Rahbar Wahed Khan's placing shot to the far post narrowly missed the target in the 50th minute but Abahani were quick to regain control.

Colindres and Dorielton were well denied by Jamal's goalkeeper Mohammad Nayeem. However, Nayeem could not thwart Dorielton's placing shot in the 62nd minute.

Further misery was in store for Jamal as Colindres struck from a free kick strike in the 70th minute before Jibon gave a double blow in the 81st minute and stoppage time to complete the rout.