Ten-man Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club conceded their second straight defeat in the AFC Cup when they lost 2-0 to Philippines top-flight champions Ceres la Salle at the Bangabandhu national stadium yesterday.
Spanish striker Adrian Gallardo stole the show with a brace, earning his side their first ever victory in the tournament which is generally considered Asia’s equivalent of the Europa League.
Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel could have done better with his effort when Gallardo put Ceres ahead in the 25th minute. Following Gallardo’s shot, the ball slipped under the gloves of Sohel before bouncing into the net.
Ceres doubled the lead just two minutes later and this time too, Gallardo pounced on some sloppy defending.
After the game, Sheikh Jamal’s newly-appointed head coach Shafiqul Islam Manik blamed the defenders for their second consecutive defeat in the competition.
“It’s really disappointing that we conceded two straight defeats, including [yesterday’s] one at home. They (Ceres) are better prepared, have better players and overall, are a better side. We got chances to come back to the game but failed. The problem is regarding the mentality of the players. They have limitations and can’t seem to overcome those. They (defenders) could have saved those goals. We should have earned at least a draw as we played at home,” said Manik.
Ceres head coach Franklin Muescan, on the other hand, said, “It was really a tough game for us. They (Sheikh Jamal) gave their all but it’s so lucky that we converted two goals in the first half.”