Twelve-time champions Abahani Limited made a flying start in the 10-team Federation Cup after beating Fokirerpool Young Men鈥檚 Club 4-2 in their Group A first match at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the city on Friday.
Malian forward Souleymane Diabate and local forward Shekh Morsalin both scored a brace for Abahani while midfielder Satno Tudu and forward Md Riyad pulled two goals back for Fokirerpool.
Diabate, who scored both goals from the penalty spot, opened the account in the very sixth minute and added other one in the 39th minute.聽
Morsalin (33rd) added once in the middle of Diabate鈥榮 brace to see Abahani got to the break with a 3-0 lead.
Fokirerpool pulled one goal back through Satno in the 51st minute before Morsalin completed his double in the 63rd minute.聽 Riyad reduced the gap for Fokirerpool by scoring in the 69th minute.
Meanwhile, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society and Brothers Union played out a goalless draw in the day鈥檚 other Group A match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla.