Five-star Mohammedan
Mohammedan Sporting Club brought down a high-flying Chittagong Abahani with a 5-1 drubbing in their KFC Independence Cup encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Guinean striker Ismail Bangoura put Mohammedan ahead in the 21st minute before Biplu Ahmed doubled the lead in the 32nd minute. Zahid Hossain reduced the margin for Chittagong Abahani four minutes later converting a penalty kick, but Mohammedan struck three more goals in the second half, with Bangoura, Masuk Mia Jonny and substitute Yusuf Sifat adding their names to the scoresheet in the 50th, 64th and stoppage time respectively.
The second win in four matches provided Mohammedan with a little hope of reaching the last four, provided they win their last match against Brothers Union while Chittagong Abahani and Muktijoddha Sangsad lose against Sheikh Jamal DC.
Despite the first defeat in four matches, Chittagong Abahani are still on top of Group A alongside Sheikh Jamal DC and Muktijoddha Sangsad on nine points each.
Meanwhile in the first match of the day, Abahani were held to a goalless draw by Arambagh KS, with Abahani's new coach Drago Mamice watching the proceedings from the gallery.
The Sky Blues had come into the match five days after a massive 5-0 win over Team BJMC, but the four-time professional football league champions failed to keep that momentum as they were held to their second draw in three matches. Despite the draw, the Dhanmondi outfit are still in race to reach the last four with five points, five less than leaders Sheikh Russel KC, who will play their last match against Abahani.
Abahani could hardy open the backline of Arambagh, who had come into their fifth and final group match with three creditable draws against Rahmatganj MFS, Team BJMC and Feni Soccer.
Abahani's attempt to break the deadlock was dealt with a blow when English forward Lee Tuck got marching orders after hitting Abu Sufian in an off-the-ball incident in the 40th minute.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Abahani looked better in the second half and created two goal-scoring chances, but Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba saw his free-kick come off the woodwork in the 58th minute while winger Jewel Rana struck the ball straight to goalkeeper Mithun Hasan from a one-on-one situation in the 74th minute.
Arambagh KS also found an opportunity to take lead in the 80th minute, but Sufian failed to beat Abahani goalkeeper Sultan Ahmed Shakil in a one-on-one situation.
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