Dhaka Abahani's long-awaited return to international action at the National Stadium in Dhaka ended in disappointment on Tuesday evening, as it suffered a defeat to Kyrgyzstan's Muras United in the AFC Challenge League 2025-26 West Region preliminary stage and got eliminated.
Midfielder Atai Dzhumashev proved the difference-maker, striking twice to seal a deserved victory for the visitors. His brace, both in the second half, showcased both precision and composure, leaving the home side helpless.
Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the first half. Both teams carved out scoring opportunities, yet a mixture of wasteful finishing and resolute goalkeeping kept the match on a knife-edge.
Physically, Muras United held the upper hand, and it also looked the sharper outfit in terms of technique and tactics. From the outset, the Kyrgyz club asserted itself, enjoying the lion's share of possession and mounting sustained pressure on Abahani's back line.
However, the visitors finally managed to open the net in the second half once Dzhumashev found the opener in the 48th minute with an eye-catching header. Thus, the tide turned firmly in Muras's favour.
Abahani pressed in search of an equaliser, but their attacks were repeatedly blunted by a disciplined Kyrgyz back line.
Dzhumashev's second goal, in the added time of the second half, was the final nail in the coffin, ensuring Muras United left Dhaka with all three points and a strong start to their campaign. For Abahani, the result was a major setback, a dream unaccomplished, and an opportunity to revisit the issues and mistakes for future endeavour.
Fans disheartened Sky-blues too
A disheartening fact for the Sky-blue outfits was the almost empty galleries during the match. Home sides are supposed to get support from home crowds. But it didn't take place for the Bangladesh club on the day.
One of the country's most popular and storied sides, Dhaka Abahani, last played an international fixture at the National Stadium, Dhaka back in 2019. On that occasion, it triumphed over North Korea's 'April 25' in the AFC Cup semi-final play-off.
Five years on, Abahani had once again taken to the pitch at the national venue for an international contest. Yet, strikingly, the stands reserved for their supporters were far from full. The other galleries were no different. A truly heart breaking incident for a club with decades long past.
