Kyrgyzstan's Muras United defeats Abahani in the AFC Challenge League qualifier match.
On August 12, 2025, the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, played host to an intriguing encounter between Abahani Limited Dhaka and Muras United, in the preliminary match of the AFC Challenge League. Despite Mohammedan Sporting Club being the original contenders for this match, they were unable to participate due to a lack of an AFC license, paving the way for Abahani to face Muras United instead.
The match began with a tense atmosphere, and both teams showcased their resilience in the first half. Abahani had a notable opportunity in the 17th minute, but Malian forward Soleymene Diabate's shot went over the bar. Muras United, on the other hand, had early chances with Yogulov's shot narrowly missing the target and Chabel's powerful shot being fisted away by Abahani's goalkeeper, Mitul Marma.
The game remained goalless at halftime, with both teams struggling to break through each other's defenses. However, the second half saw a change in fortunes for Muras United. In the 48th minute, midfielder Atai Dzhumashev scored the first goal for Muras United with a header from Andrii Batsula's cross.
Abahani struggled to revive in the second half, with their attempts often thwarted by the tall and strong opponents. In the 6th minute, Ole Marchuk had a chance from Aligulov Maksat's cut-back but couldn't get a shot on target. Mohammad Al Amin had a chance to score in the 23rd minute, but he attempted a cut-back instead of shooting. Mohammad Ibrahim missed a scoring opportunity in the 31st minute from Diabate's pass, and in the same minute, Mitul saved another shot from Aligulov.
Muras United secured their victory in the 92nd minute, with Jumashov scoring again, ending Abahani's hopes and completing Muras' victory. This result marked a significant moment as Muras United advanced in their inaugural appearance in the AFC Challenge League, eliminating Abahani Limited from the tournament.
Despite Abahani's resilient defense, Muras United's attacking prowess paid off, ensuring a 2-0 win. Suleman Diabaté of Abahani was visibly frustrated during the match, while a supporter of Abahani's rival, Mohammedan Sporting Club, was seen joining the celebration of Muras' victory.
In conclusion, Muras United's victory marked a significant moment as they advanced in their inaugural appearance in the AFC Challenge League. Kyrgyzstan's club Muras United defeated Abahani Limited 2-0, eliminating Abahani from the tournament.
The following day, Muras United's victory caught the attention of European leagues, potentially opening doors for future participations. Despite Abahani's defeat, the team's resilience in the face of adversity showcased their potential for future sports success, potentially attracting champions-league opportunities in the future.
