Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society stayed in quarterfinal race of the season's curtain raiser meet, the Independence Cup Football ' 2023 outplaying Bangladesh Air Force team by 4-1 goals in a Group B match at the Bir Shreshtha Fl Lt Shaheed Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Friday.
After the day's match, both the Rahmatganj MFS and last time runners up Sheikh Russel KC have secured four points each playing three and two group matches respectively to stay in quarterfinal race from Group B.
Now, the two teams have to wait for the result of Dhaka Abahani and Sheikh Russel KC last Group B match on Saturday (November 4) in Gopalganj to decide the other quarterfinalist of the group.
Read: Independence Cup Football: Police FC emerge group champions beating Sheikh Jamal DC 1-0
Earlier, former champions Dhaka Abahani Ltd confirmed the quarterfinal berth from Group B with one match to spare securing full six points from straight two matches.
Sheikh Russel KC needed at least a draw against Abahani on Saturday to confirm their quarterfinal berth while Rahmatganj will pray for the Abahani's win to assure their berth in last eight stage.
In the day's match, striker Samin Yasar scored twice in the 44th and 55th minutes, forward Mohammad Murad and medio Rofiqul Islam netted one each in the 33rd and 94th minutes respectively for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MFS, which dominated the first half by 2-1 goals.
Read: Independence Cup Football: Both matches end in draws on Tuesday
Mohammad Jewel Miah scored the lone goal for Air Force team in the 32nd minute.
Bangladesh Air Force team was down to 10 men in the 67th minute of the day's match as their Abdus Sattar got the marching order after receiving the 2nd yellow card.
Three times champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC will play Fortis FC on Saturday (Nov 4) in Munshiganj to decide the remaining quarterfinal slot of Group C alongside Bangladesh Army.
Earlier, two more teams--Bangladesh Police FC and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club --reached the quarterfinals as the Group A champions and runners-up.