Chittagong Abahani

Chittagong Abahani Limited (also known as Chattogram Abahani or Chittagong Abahoni) is a prominent professional sports club based in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Established in 1980 as a wing of Abahani Limited Dhaka, the club has grown to become one of the most successful football teams in the country. Currently, it competes in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the top tier of Bangladeshi football.

Rise, Relegation, and Comeback

Chittagong Abahani faced a significant setback when it was relegated from the Premier League in the 2010–11 season. However, they made a strong comeback by winning the 2013 Bangladesh Championship League (BCL), earning a promotion back to the top division. In 2015, the club launched the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup, a bi-annual tournament in memory of their founder, Sheikh Kamal. They triumphed in the inaugural edition of the tournament, securing their first international title.

The following year, Chittagong Abahani achieved another milestone by winning their first major domestic trophy, the 2016 Independence Cup, under the guidance of Slovak coach Jozef Pavlik. This victory further solidified their position as a dominant force in Bangladeshi football.

Fierce Rivalry and Legacy

One of the club’s most notable aspects is its fierce rivalry with Chittagong Mohammedan SC, which dates back to their early days in the Chittagong Premier League and later continued in the Bangladesh Premier League. The intense competition between the two clubs has made the Chittagong Derby a highly anticipated fixture in Bangladeshi football.

Over the years, Chittagong Abahani has played a crucial role in nurturing local talent and promoting football in the region. With its rich history, committed management, and passionate fan base, the club remains a symbol of pride for Chittagong and a significant contributor to the development of football in Bangladesh.