Dhaka Abahani Limited need just one point from last two matches for their hat-trick championship celebration of the Citycell Bangladesh League when they escaped with a 2-1 victory against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra on Friday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
It was 21st victory out of 22 outings that kept them on 33 matches unbeaten at stretch and extended their points tally to 64, six points ahead to the closest contenders Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club with two matches left to finish the league.
Abahani had an early scare when Biplob forced a fine save from Maruf long range powerful right footer in 29th minute and nerves were jangling at Abahani camp, as any upset could have been a great threat for them.
However, the holders took the lead on 34th minute when right winger Siraji made a run down the right to set a harmless cross into box for Shahed, who just took a placing shot (1-0).
Few minutes later Motiur Munna released a good square pass for Ibrahim who shot straight to Russel goalkeeper’s feet to miss the chance to double the margin.
At half-time trailing by 0-1, Sheikh Russel tried to bounce back after the break and also produced some sharp moves but in lack of forwards’ failures they failed to make a successful finish. Actually their main weapon Samir Omari, who left the ground for injury in the first half, Russel’s forward became almost painless.
Abahani, despite keeping the ball possession for most of the time, their attacks did not look snapping enough to break the Russel’s defence.
But Mohammed Roni of Russel brought some excitements in the last five minutes of the match when he slotted a running ball into net on a Rajon left side cross to stun all on 85th.
The equaliser lasted just two minutes while Enamul released the champions from anxiety when he slammed home his 19th league goal after controlling an Abul pass (2-1) on 87th minute.