In a battle of two former champions, coming from behind, Dhaka Abahani Limited qualified for the final of the six-team 13th Club Cup Hockey Tournament'2024 eliminating their traditional rivals Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 3-2 goals in a keenly contested 2nd semifinal at the Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium on Thursday evening. 

Dhaka Abahani Ltd will now play final on Saturday (March 2) at 6 pm at the same venue against defending champions Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club, which smartly booked seat for the final outplaying Usha KC by 8-4 goals in the first semifinal on Thursday afternoon.

In the day's 2nd semis, Roman Sarkar scored twice and Pushkar Kisha Mimo contributed one for the sky-blue Dhanmondi outfit Abahani while Amirul Islam and Netherlands forward Charl Ulrich scored one each for the traditional black and whites Mohammedan.

Amirul Islam put Mohammedan ahead in the 4th minute from a penalty corner (1-0) while Pushkar Kisha Mimo leveled the margin for Abahani in the 8th minute (1-1).

Roman Sarkar put Abahani ahead from behind in the 32nd minute by a field goal (2-1) and he assured the Abahani victory scoring one more goal in the 49th minute (3-1).

The Netherlands forward Charl Ukrich reduced the Mohammedan margin scoring a goal from penalty stroke in the 56th minute (3-2),  but failed to change the fate of the match.

Earlier in the first semifinal also on Thursday afternoon, Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club,, riding on a hattrick by Sohanur Rahman Sabuj,  smartly reached the final eliminating Usha KC by 8-4 goals in the first semifinal at the same venue.

Sabuj made a hattrick scoring four goals, Moinul Islam Koushik scored twice while Mithilesh and captain Fazle Hossain  Rabbi scored one each for the Arambagh outfit Dhaka Mariners Youngs Club.

Pakistani player Mohammad Sharik also scored a hattrick for Usha KC scoring three goals, but failed  to avoid a huge defeat. Arshad Hossain scored the remaining goal for Usha KC.