Dhaka: Defending champions Dhaka Abahani Limited lost points in the inaugural match of the 29th Walton Federation Cup Football Tournament after playing 1-1 draw with new sensation and star-studded Saif Sporting Club at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday.

Earlier, BFF Senior Vice President Abdus Salam Murshedy inaugurated the tournament as the chief guest.

In the day's opener, Nigerian forward Emeka Darlington put Abahani Limited ahead by a header in the stoppage time of the first half, utilising a long throw of Rayhan (1-0).

Mohammad Ibrahim restored the parity for Saif SC in the 69th minute by a back hill, off a Jewel Rana pass (1-1).

Both the team were restricted to 10- man in the 13th minute of the first half as Abahani skipper Mamun Miah and Saif SC defender Topu Barman got marching order for clashing with each other.

Two minutes later Saif's Columbian forward Valencia Olay's header on a cross of winger Jewel Rana missed the crosspiece by a whisker.

Abahani hit back in the 43rd minute and it was young forward Mohammad Saaduddin who tested Saif goalie Anisur Rahman Ziko with cracking grounder. But Ziko proved to be handy and saved the shot with quick reflexes.

Saif SC dominated the later part of the game but Abahani's defensive approach saw the match end in a tie.