Abahani off to Winning Start in India

Abahani brightened their chances to reach the semifinals of the 56th Bordoloi Trophy when the Dhaka giants blanked inform Oil India Limited 2-0 in their first quarterfinals league match in Guwahati yesterday.

Guest striker Saifur Rahman Moni struck either side of the half at the Nehru Stadium to mark the Bangladesh professional league champions' return to the prestigious tournament in Assam after 15 years, according to a message received in Dhaka. Moni, on loan from Muktijoddha Sangsad, put the sky-blues ahead after 36 minutes and sealed the victory on the hour-mark.

Oil India had eliminated Goa heavyweights Vasco in the pre-quarterfinals before edging defending champions Assam State Electric Board 1-0 two days earlier in the Group B opening match. Abahani will need just one point against Assam State Electric Board in their next match to reach the last four.

Thailand's Bangkok Port Authority, the other foreign team in the tournament, are pitted against Food Corporation of India and Mumbai's ONGC in Group A.