Abahani lose to Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United in AFC Challenge League qualifier
Muras took the lead in the 48th minute. Atai Jumashov scored a header from Andrii Batsula’s cross. At the 52nd minute, Aligulov Maksat’s shot went just over the bar, missing a chance to double the lead.
Abahani's Suleman Diabaté was shaking off frustration after every pass. The rest of the team struggled to compete against the tall and strong opponents. The only player showing fight was Diabaté himself, but in the end, their efforts failed. Kyrgyzstan's club Muras United defeated Abahani Limited 2-0 to secure their place in the main round of the AFC Challenge League.
At the National Stadium, in the 6th minute, Ole Marchuk had a chance from Aligulov Maksat's cut-back but couldn't get a shot on target. In the 10th minute, Abahani goalkeeper Mitul Marma saved a shot from Chavel Gomez outside the box.
At the 12th minute, Kamrul's weak free-kick caused no danger. In the same minute, Mitul again saved Aligulov's shot, which led to a corner. At the 18th minute, a solo attack saw Diabaté dribble past a defender and attempt a chipped shot, but it went just over the bar.
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Mitul was under expected pressure. At the 22nd minute, he again stood as a defender, diving to save a shot from Chavel Gomez inside the box.
Abahani waited for a counterattack and got a chance in the 23rd minute. Hasan Murad's excellent through ball allowed Mohammad Al Amin to outpace a Muras defender and enter the box. He faced the goalkeeper alone but lost the chance by attempting a cut-back instead of shooting.
At the 31st minute, Abahani disappointed again. From Diabaté's pass after a solo run into the box, Mohammad Ibrahim failed to score.
Muras took the lead in the 48th minute. Atai Jumashov scored a header from Andrii Batsula's cross. At the 52nd minute, Aligulov Maksat's shot went just over the bar, missing a chance to double the lead.
Abahani, who had become sluggish, tried to revive toward the end. At the 72nd minute, Sheikh Morsalin's shot was deflected by a defender but failed to inspire the team.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Jumashov broke Abahani's hopes again. He stole the ball from Kamrul and sprinted toward the box, easily beating Mitul to score.
That goal completed the joy for Muras fans. Joining the celebration was a supporter of Abahani's eternal rival, Mohammedan Sporting Club, who seemed pleased with Abahani's defeat. Ironically, Mohammedan should have been in this preliminary match instead of Abahani, but they lost the chance due to lack of an AFC license.
