Dhaka Abahani almost assured themselves of the Nito-Tata First National Football League title beating Chittagong Abahani 1-0 In a key "super four" match at the Mlrpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. reports UNB.

By virtue of this victory, the sky blues secured 13 points from five matches and maintained an unbeaten record.

Premier League champions Mohammedan three points behind the leaders, have an outside chance to clinch the league title If they beat Dhaka Abahani by a margin of four goals In their last match on Thursday.

The defeat left Chittagong Abahani out of the title race with their previous credit of seven points from five matches. They will now battle for the third place on Wednesday with Muktljoddha Sangsad KC, also having seven points from same number outings.

Ghanaian striker Kennedy scored the match winner for Dhaka Abahani In the 66th minute by a well-judged placing shot after beating two defenders latching on to a Tito pass from the right.

Abahani medio Zakir Hossain was adjudged man-of-the-match for the second consecutive time

Chittagong Abahani. which earned appreciation from the fans beating Dhaka Mo-, hammedan 2-1 at Rajshahl and holding them to a 1-1 draw in the Inaugural match of the "super four ' in the Dhaka, again displayed entertaining football. They fought well with their giant rivals, but conceded defeat due to lack of experience and big match temperament.

After the match. Dhaka Abahani captain Partha told newsmen he was satisfied with the performance his team. "After winning 1 am now very much hopeful about the league

title," he said.

Replaying to a question, Partha said they would try to maintain their unbeaten record in the league and play for win against the Mohammedan.

Chittagong Abahani coach and former national defender Abu Yousuf said: "I am fully satisfied with the performance of my team. They played a good game against Abahani. but had to concede defeat due to inexperience and lack of big match temperament."

Both teams played an exciting first half. However. Dhaka Abahani partly dominated the second half.

Farhad of Chittagong Abahani spoiled three good chances — two in the first half and one in the second half. He headed wide from close in the 2nd and 1 1th minutes, and sent the ball outside in the 49th minute.

Kennedy of Dhaka Abahani missed the target twice while his teammate Zakir spoiled another good chance.

Kennedy received a good pass from Arman in the danger zone but sent the ball straight at opponent custodian in the 29th minute. He failed to find the net from close in the 48th minute off a Kanchan pass.

Dhaka Abanani were denied a goal in the dying moments as Zakir hastily sent the ball over the bar instead of giving a pass to an unmarked teammate.

Yellow card: Kingshuk of Dhaka Abahani.

TEAMS

DHAKA ABAHANI: Amlnul, Partha. Kingshuk. Gansha, Tito. Iqbal. Zakir. Arman (Tipu), Mlntoo, Kennedy and Stephan (Kanchan).

CHITTAGONG ABAHANI KC: BiJon. Aminur, Biplob, Papel. Raju (Kaiser). Tanveer, A if. Asad (Pavel). Al Amin, Farhad (Nurul Islam) and Moni.

Referee: Ehsanul Haq (Khulna)