A misfiring Dhaka Mohammedan began their Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Afghan side De Sphin Ghar Bazan at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday.
A blunder from the Mohammedan defence allowed Anwar Akbari to bag the all-important goal for the visiting side in the 33rd minute.
The traditional Black and Whites went agonisingly close to equalising the margin several times in the second half but all their efforts were neutralised due to a lack of composure in the final third.
Mohammedan goalkeeper Ashraful Haq Rana put up a brilliant display and prevented a cricket score-line.
Head coach Joshimuddin Joshi organised his starting XI with the inclusion of youngster Nabib Newaj Jibon as the lone central forward.
Jibon, who was recently called up to the national squad, was brought in from Team BJMC on loan. And more often than not, it was Jibon who threatened the most with his ability to win balls in the air during the set-pieces. However, most of his headers missed the target.
Meanwhile, the Chittagong crowd can expect an enterprising encounter today when Dhaka Abahani lock horns with its Chittagong counterpart in a Group B match at 7:30pm.