Abahani won their second corner kick in the 27th minute and Saighani, netted the ball with a lovely header.
Abahani, in their away yellow jersey, dominated from the first minute of the game. Marshyangdi, on the other hand, tried hard for an equaliser but ended the first half without any success.
Match Referee Referee Ali Reda from Lebanon signaled the end of first half after additional two minutes of play.
Abahani, a six-time BPL champions, started their AFC Cup Group E campaign taking on Nepalese champions Marshyangdi in the inaugural match.
Dhaka Abahani: Md Sahidul Alam(GK and C), Rayhan, Waly, Badsha; Sohel Rana, Wellington; Ziban, Sunday, Rubel, Masih, Belfort
Manang Marshyangdi: Bishal Shrestha(GK), Biraj Maharjan(C), Muhammed Asif, Kamal Shrestha, Devendra Tamang; Bishal Rai, Heman Gurung, Sujal Shrestha, Anjan Bista; Somide Oluwawunmi, Afeez Olawale