2019–20 Chittagong Abahani season

Chittagong Abahani

2019–20 season
President	M. Abdul Latif
Head coach	Maruful Haque
Stadium	MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh[1]
Bangladesh Premier League	2nd of 13
Federation Cup	Quarter Finals
Independence Cup	cancelled
Top goalscorer	League: Nixon Guylherme (4 Goals) All: Nixon Guylherme (5 Goals)
Biggest win	Chittagong Abahani 2–0 Brothers Union Chittagong Abahani 2–0 Bashundhara Kings Chittagong Abahani 2–0 Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club
Biggest defeat	Dhaka Mohammedan 2–0 Chittagong Abahani
Home colours Away colours
← 2018–19 2020–21 →

The 2019–20 season was the Chittagong Abahani's^[2] 40th season since its establishment in 1980^[3] and their 10th season in the Bangladesh Premier League. This also remarked their sixth consecutive season in the top flight after getting promoted in 2014.^[4] In addition to domestic league, Ctg Abahani also participated on this season's edition of Federation Cup.

On 16 March 2020, All sorts of sports activities in Bangladesh were postponed until March 31 as a precaution to combat the spread of coronavirus in the country, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) postponed all Bangladesh Premier League matches until March 31.^[5]

On 17 May 2020, The BFF executive committee, following an emergency meeting, declared the 12th edition of the league abandoned, scrapping promotion and relegation while cancelling the Independence Cup from the calendar.^[6]

Summary

Pre-season

In October 2019, Chittagong Abahani organized and participated in 2019 Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup.^[7][8] Players including Bangladesh National Football Team captain Jamal Bhuyan, 2010 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinalist Prince Tagoe, Luka Rotkovic, Petar Planić were signed for the tournament.^[9][10][11] They also signed former National Team head coach Maruful Haque.^[12] Chittagong Abahani started the tournament with a 4–1 win against Maldivian side TC Sports Club.^[13][14] Abahani also beaten Young Elephants FC by 4–2^[15] but lost with Mohun Bagan by 1–0.^[16] In semi-final, Abahani beaten Gokulam Kerala FC with an extra-time goal.^[17][18] However, Chittagong Abahani defeated by Terengganu FC in the Final^[19][20] and finished the tournament as runners-up.^[21] Luka, who scored three goals, was top scorer for Abahani in the tournament. The players who joined the team on loan and foreigners except Ikbol, Didier and Matthew were released after the tournament.

On November 20, Abahani signed a one-year contract with Maruful Haque.^[22][23][24] The signing made record as Maruful became highest paid local head coach of that season.^[25] Brazilian footballer Nixon Guylherme and Uzbek defender Shukurali Pulatov were signed to fill up foreign quota while Bangladesh international Nasirul Islam Nasir, Monjurur Rahman Manik, Rakib Hossain, Mohammad Rocky etc. were also signed to form a strong squad for upcoming season.^[26]

From December 4 to December 8, Chittagong Abahani took part in Mymensingh DFA Challenge Cup, a pre-season tournament, along with Saif Sporting Club and Bangladesh Police FC.^[27] The tournament was won by defeating Police FC in final with 1–0 margin.^[28][29]

December

In this month, the new football season started with 2019 Federation cup.^[30] Abahani played first match of the season against Brother Union on 22 December and won it by 2–0 with goals scored by Nixon and Matthew.^[31][32] Five days later, the last match of Group B against Bashundhara kings was won with 2–0 score.^[33] Rakib and Didier scored the goals.^[34] Abahani qualified for the knockout stage as group champion.^[35] Three days later, Abahani suffered a 2–0 defeat against Dhaka Mohammedan^[36] in quarter-final and were knocked out from 2019 Federation Cup.^[37]

January

The club started the new year with good news as two players from the team, Manik Hossain Mollah, Monjurur Rahman Manik and Rakib Hossain called up in 23-men squad of Bangladesh National Team for 2020 Bangabandhu Cup.^[38][39] Rakib and Manik both made their international debut against Sri Lanka.

February

Ctg Abahani started 2019-20 BPL against Sheikh Jamal DC on 13 February. The away match was won with 2–0 as Didier and Matthew found the net.^[40] Five days later, the team suffered a 2–1 defeat against Arambagh KS in the first home game of the league. Shakhawat Rony scored the only goal in that match. On 23 February, Ctg Abahani played a 2–2 draw with Saif SC at Mymensingh conceding two late goals. Nixon & Matthew scored in that match. Mohammad Nayeem made his debut for the team in this match.

March

Ctg Abahani played their second home game of the league against Sheikh Russel KC on 2 March. The match was won by 2-0 Nixon & Mannaf Rabby scored. Five days later, Ctg Abahani defeated defending runners-up Dhaka Abahani by 2–0 on away schedule. Didier & Nasirul found the net on the game. On 15 March, they faced defending champion Bashundhara Kings at Nilphamari. Ctg Abahani made a historic comeback from 3–0 to 3-4 & won the match. Nixon netted a brace when Didier & Matthew each scored one goal. Mannaf Rabby provided two assists. On 16 March, remaining matches of month postponed till 31st march due to coronavirus outbreak.

Players

Chittagong Abahani Ltd. squad for 2019–20 season.

As of 25 November 2019

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  BAN Mohammad Nehal 2 DF  BAN Mohammad Rockey 3 DF  BAN Shawkat Russel 4 MF  BAN Manik Hossain Molla 5 DF  BAN Monjurur Rahman Manik 6 DF  BAN Nasirul Islam Nasir 7 MF  BAN Rakib Hossain 8 MF  CIV Kpehi Didier Brossou (Captain) 9 FW  BRA Nixon Guylherme 10 MF  NGA Matthew Chinedu 11 MF  BAN Mohammad Shohel Rana 12 MF  BAN Koushik Barua (3rd captain) 14 MF  BAN Monaem Khan Raju (2nd captain) 15 MF  BAN Shafiqul Islam 16 MF  BAN Saker Ullah 17 MF  BAN Mannaf Rabby

No. Pos. Nation Player 18 MF  BAN Zahed Parvez Chowdhury 19 MF  BAN Kawsar Ali Rabbi 20 FW  BAN Shakhawat Hossain Rony 21 DF  BAN Ashik Ahammed 22 GK  BAN Azad Hossain 23 DF  BAN Monir Alam 24 DF  UZB Ikbol Bobohonov 25 DF  UZB Shukurali Pulatov 26 DF  BAN Saddam Hossain 28 MF  BAN Mynul Islam 30 FW  BAN Shakib Chowdhury 32 DF  BAN Rashed Hossain 33 GK  BAN Mohammad Nayeem 35 DF  BAN Apu Ahammad 40 GK  BAN Nasarul Islam

Pre-season and friendlies

Chittagong Abahani v Bangladesh Police FC

4 December 2019 Mymensingh DFA Challenge Cup	Chittagong Abahani	2-2 (3-4 p)	Bangladesh Police FC	Mymensingh
	Koushik Nixon	Report	Rotkovic Sidney	Stadium: Mymensingh Stadium
	Penalties
	Nixon Pulatov Ikbol Manik Zahid

Saif SC v Chittagong Abahani

5 December 2019 Mymensingh DFA Challenge Cup	Saif SC	0-0 (2-3 p)	Chittagong Abahani	Mymensingh
				Stadium: Mymensingh Stadium
	Penalties
			Nixon Ikbol Pulatov Nasirul
Note: Chittagong Abahani goalkeeper Nayeem made two saves in tiebreaker.

Competitions

Federation Cup

Group B

Knockout stage

Premier League

League table

Results summary

Results by round

Matches

Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup

Group stage

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	Chittagong Abahani (H)	3	2	0	1	8	4	+4	6	Advance to Semi-finals
2	Mohun Bagan	3	2	0	1	4	2	+2	6
3	Young Elephants	3	2	0	1	6	6	0	6
4	TC Sports Club	3	0	0	3	2	8	−6	0

Chittagong Abahani v TC Sports Club

19 October 2019 1	Chittagong Abahani	4-1	TC Sports Club	Chittagong, Bangladesh
	Chinedu 8', 39' Arafat 10' Rotković 71'	Report	A. Ghanee  60' Easa 88'	Stadium: M. A. Aziz Stadium Referee: Murad Alzawahreh (Jordan)

Young Elephant F.C. v Chittagong Abahani

23 October 2019 2	Young Elephant F.C.	2-4	Chittagong Abahani	Chittagong, Bangladesh
	Thanakhanty 14' Keohanam 33'	Report	Chinedu 9' Rotković 54' Bhuyan 72' Brossou 78'	Stadium: M. A. Aziz Stadium Referee: Sudish Kumar Pandey (Nepal)

Chittagong Abahani v Mohun Bagan AC

25 October 2019 3	Chittagong Abahani	0–1	Mohun Bagan AC	Chittagong, Bangladesh
		Report	Suhair 59'	Stadium: M. A. Aziz Stadium Referee: Shraban Kumar Tamang (Nepal)

Knockout phase

Semi-final

Chittagong Abahani v Gokulam Kerala F.C.

28 October 2019 Semi-final	Chittagong Abahani	3-2	Gokulam Kerala F.C.	Chittagong, Bangladesh
	Brossou 47', 90' Chinedu 105'	Report	Kisekka 29' Joseph 80'	Stadium: M. A. Aziz Stadium Referee: Murad Alzawahreh (Jordan)

Final

Chittagong Abahani v Terengganu F.C.

31 October 2019 Final	Chittagong Abahani	1-2	Terengganu F.C.	Chittagong, Bangladesh
	Rotković 48'	Report	Hakim 15' Alias 20'	Stadium: M. A. Aziz Stadium Referee: Sudish Kumar Pandey (Nepal)

Statistics

Squad statistics

No.	Pos	Nat	Player	Total		BPL		Federation Cup		Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
1	GK		Mohammad Nehal	8	0	2	0	2	0	4	0
2	DF		Mohammad Rockey	3	0	1	0	0	0	1+1	0
3	DF		Shawkat Russel	5	0	2+1	0	2	0	-	-
4	MF		Manik Hossain Molla	14	0	6	0	0+3	0	3+2	0
5	DF		Monjurur Rahman Manik	8	0	4	0	3	0	0+1	0
6	DF		Nasirul Islam Nasir	9	1	5+1	1	3	0	-	-
7	MF		Rakib Hossain	9	1	6	0	3	1	-	-
8	MF		Kpehi Didier Brossou	14	7	6	3	3	1	5	3
9	FW		Nixon Guylherme	8	5	5+1	4	2	1	-	-
10	MF		Matthew Chinedu	14	8	6	3	3	1	4+1	4
11	MF		Shohel Rana	5	0	0	0	0	0	3+2	0
12	MF		Koushik Barua	1	0	0	0	0+1	0	-	-
14	MF		Monaem Khan Raju	9	0	6	0	3	0	-	-
15	MF		Shafiqul Islam	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
16	MF		Saker Ullah	3	0	0+2	0	0	0	1	0
17	MF		Mannaf Rabby	6	1	0+3	1	0+3	0	-	-
18	MF		Zahid Parvez Chowdhury	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
19	MF		Kawsar Ali Rabbi	6	0	0+1	0	0+1	0	1+3	0
20	FW		Shakhawat Hossain Rony	5	1	1+2	1	1+1	0	-	-
21	DF		Ashik Ahammed	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
22	GK		Azad Hossain	1	0	0	0	1	0	-	-
23	DF		Monir Alam	9	0	5+1	0	3	0	-	-
24	DF		Ikbol Bobohonov	10	0	1+3	0	1	0	5	0
25	DF		Shukurali Pulatov	8	0	5	0	3	0	-	-
26	DF		Saddam Hossain	1	0	1	0	0	0	-	-
28	MF		Mynul Islam	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
30	FW		Shakib Chowdhury	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
32	DF		Rashed Hossain	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
33	GK		Mohammad Nayeem	4	0	4	0	0	0	-	-
35	DF		Apu Ahammad	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
40	GK		Nasarul Islam	0	0	0	0	0	0	-	-
Players who left during the season but made appearance
	FW		Luka Rotković	5	3	-	-	-	-	5	3
	DF		Riyadul Hasan Rafi	4	0	-	-	-	-	4	0
	MF		Jamal Bhuyan	5	1	-	-	-	-	4+1	1
	DF		Rahmat Mia	4	0	-	-	-	-	4	0
	DF		Yeasin Arafat	5	1	-	-	-	-	5	1
	FW		Arifur Rahman	5	0	-	-	-	-	4+1	0
	DF		Petar Planić	3	0	-	-	-	-	1+2	0
	GK		Mazharul Islam Himel	1	0	-	-	-	-	1	0

Goals

Rank	Player	Position	Total	BPL	Federation Cup[41][42]	Independence Cup
1	Nixon Guylherme	FW	5	4	1	0
2	Chinedu Mathew	MF	4	3	1	0
	Didier Brossou	MF	4	3	1	0
3	Rakib Hossain	MF	1	0	1	0
	Shakhawat Rony	FW	1	1	0	0
	Mannaf Rabby	MF/FW	1	1	0	0
	Nasirul Islam Nasir	DF	1	1	0	0
Own goals			0	0	0	0
Total			17	13	4	0

Goalkeeping Statistics

			Total			BPL		Federation Cup		Independence Cup
No.	Pos.	Player	Matches played	Clean sheet (%)	Goals Conceded	Clean sheet (%)	Goals Conceded	Clean sheet (%)	Goals conceded	Clean sheet (%)	Goals conceded
1	GK	Mohammad Nehal	4	2 (50%)	4	1 (50%)	2	1 (50%)	2	—
22	GK	Azad Hossain	1	1(100%)	0	0 (0%)	0	1 (100%)	0	—
33	GK	Mohammad Nayeem	4	2(50%)	5	2 (50%)	5	—	—
TOTALS			9	5 (55%)	9	3 (33%)	7	2 (66%)	2	—

References