Abahani Limited’s AFC Challenge League run ended before it really began.

At the National Stadium on Tuesday night, they went down 2-0 to Kyrgyz outfit FC Muras United in the preliminary play-off — and the scoreline felt about right.

For most of the first half, it wasn’t one-way traffic. The home side were organised, sat deep when they needed to, and even strung together a few promising moves.

Mitul Marma, busy in goal, pulled off three saves that kept things level. Souleymane Diabate slipped Morsalin through once, but the finish wasn’t there.

AFC Challenge League: Dhaka Abahani Ltd will play their match at National Stadium on Aug 12

That hope lasted barely three minutes after the restart. A long cross from Ukrainian left-back Andriy Batsula found Atai Dzhumashev completely free in the box. His header was firm, Mitul had no chance.

Abahani chased the game from there. Morsalin clipped the post, Jafar Iqbal tried his luck from distance. Muras, calm and compact, waited.

And they struck again deep into stoppage time — Dzhumashev pouncing on a Kamrul error, running clear and slotting in his second.

Coach Maruful Haque gave credit where it was due.

“They’re the stronger side,” he said. “We started okay, but didn’t keep that same energy.”

It’s Abahani’s sixth attempt in this tournament. Still no breakthrough.