In a significant sporting upset on 28 April 2026, Abahani Limited Dhaka was eliminated from the Federation Cup following a narrow 1–0 defeat at the hands of PWD Sports Club. Contested on a rain-slicked surface at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, the result marks a historic low for the “Sky Blues,” representing their first departure from the competition’s group stage since the 2018–2019 season.
Despite a characteristically aggressive performance and a squad featuring high-calibre players such as Sheikh Morshalin, Asadul Islam, and Souleymane Diabate, the record twelve-time champions were unable to capitalise on their numerous opportunities. The match was ultimately decided by a clinical second-half strike from former national team midfielder Mohammad Abdullah, which effectively terminated Abahani’s campaign in this year’s tournament.
Match Analysis: Offensive Dominance Lacks Clinical Finish
Abahani Limited initiated the fixture with high intensity, determined to secure the victory necessary to remain in contention for the knockout rounds. In the 10th minute, the offensive pressure nearly yielded results when midfielder Kazem Shah launched a powerful, high-velocity shot toward the top corner. However, PWD goalkeeper Sarwar Jahan produced a remarkable save to divert the ball for a corner.
The tactical dominance of the Sky Blues continued, leading to a golden opportunity in the 22nd minute. Al-Amin found himself unmarked inside the penalty area after receiving a precise through-ball. With only the goalkeeper to beat, he attempted a delicate chip; however, Sarwar Jahan anticipated the trajectory, sliding out to smother the effort.
The frustration for the Abahani frontline intensified in the 30th minute when Sheikh Morshalin struck a sharp right-footed shot from within the box. Sarwar Jahan again proved to be the obstacle, diving to parry the ball away. Despite possessing the lion’s share of territory and possession, Abahani entered the interval with the scoreline deadlocked at 0–0.
The Decisive Strike and a Frantic Conclusion
The second half witnessed a shift in momentum as PWD Sports Club successfully exploited Abahani’s increasing desperation to find a breakthrough. In the 65th minute, the definitive blow was struck against the run of play. Following an assist from Ali Uzair, Abu Sayeed bypassed defender Sushanto Tripura near the byline before delivering an accurate cutback into the centre of the box. Mohammad Abdullah met the delivery with a precise placing shot that travelled between the goalkeeper’s legs and into the back of the net.
In the final stages and throughout extended injury time, Abahani Limited launched an all-out assault on the PWD goal to save their season. The Malian forward, Souleymane Diabate, saw one significant effort blocked by a resilient PWD defence, followed shortly by a header that drifted agonisingly wide of the target. As the final whistle blew, the most decorated club in the tournament’s history was forced to concede defeat and exit the competition prematurely.
Group B Standings and Qualification Consequences
Abahani Limited concluded their Group B campaign in a disappointing fourth position, amassing only 4 points from four fixtures—a tally comprising a single victory and one draw. This result stands in stark contrast to their current form in the Bangladesh Premier League, where they currently maintain second place in the standings.
The final hierarchy of Group B was determined by concurrent events:
Brothers Union: Secured the top position with 10 points, comfortably ensuring their progression to the knockout phase.
Rahmatganj MFS: Advanced as group runners-up following a goalless draw against Fakirerpool Young Men’s Club at the Shahid Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla. This hard-fought point allowed them to eclipse PWD on the points table.
PWD Sports Club: Despite their historic victory over Abahani bringing their total to 6 points, they were ultimately excluded from the next round as Rahmatganj’s draw secured the vital point needed for the second qualifying spot.
For Abahani Limited, this early exit represents a rare and significant failure on the domestic stage. The club is expected to undergo a period of internal assessment as they pivot their focus entirely toward their league ambitions, while the Federation Cup proceeds into the knockout stages without its most perennial contender.
