Abahani showed grit and character to edge past defending champions Bashundhara Kings 4-2 in a penalty shootout and advance into the final of the Federation Cup, following a dramatic Qualifier-1 clash in Cumilla today.

The fiercely contested encounter at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, sending the match into a tiebreaker, where the Sky Blues held their nerve to prevail.

The result means Kings are not out yet -- they will have one last chance to make the final when they face Rahmatganj MFS, who, meanwhile, knocked out Brothers Union 2-1 at Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh in the Eliminator.

Abahani's road to victory, however, was anything but straightforward. They were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when central defender Asaduzzaman Bablu received his second yellow card in the 42nd minute.

Matters worsened after the break, as Kings capitalised on a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Mitul Marma and his centre-backs, allowing Mojibor Rahman Jonny to give the reigning champions the lead before the hour mark.

Despite being a man down and trailing, Abahani refused to fold. They absorbed wave after wave of Kings' attacks, with the holders dominating possession.

But the Sky Blues bided their time, and in the 84th minute, they found their breakthrough -- substitute Arman Faisal Akash reacted quickest to tap in a rebound after Raphael Augusto's free-kick struck the crossbar.

The game could have ended in extra time, but Abahani's Mohammad Ridoy squandered a golden chance to seal the win late on.

In the shootout, Kings made a tactical switch, bringing on national discard Anisur Rahman Zico in goal in place of Mehedi Hasan Srabon. The move initially paid off as he saved the first spot-kick. But Abahani, showing remarkable composure, converted their next four attempts.

Kings, meanwhile, faltered -- missing both their third and fourth shots to hand Abahani a dramatic and hard-earned victory, their second win over Kings in the season.

Abahani goalkeeper Mitul Marma was adjudged the Player of the Match.