National winger Zahid Hossain was below-par in the two season opening tournaments – Federation Cup and Independence Cup – but he finally came to the limelight with a hat-trick in the Bangladesh Premier League as his side Arambagh Krira Sangha thrashed Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited 4-1 at Rafiq Uddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh Friday.
Arambagh went ahead in the 12th minute when Zahid placed home from a pass from midfielder Rajon Mia from the left flank.
The two sides then went into the break, before Mohammedan brought parity in the 59th minute when Gambian midfielder Landing Darboe laid a free-kick for Kaiser Ali Rabbi, whose shot found the back of the net.
Arambagh however, soon restored their lead in the 66th minute through a Zahid free-kick.
Chittagong Abahani Limited were held to a 1-1 draw by Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society in the Bangladesh Premier League at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Thursday night.https://t.co/vrQ7izb5e0#FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #BFF #BPL #CHITTAGONGABAHANI #CTG
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) January 25, 2019
Nigerian forward Chinedu Mathew made it 3-1 with his left foot in the 76th minute after a pass from forward Arifur Rahman, who evaded the Mohammedan defence before laying the ball for the Nigerian.
Zahid completed his treble in the 84th minute when his shot kissed the cross bar before finding the net, following a brilliant pass from captain Robiul Islam.
This is the second hat-trick in the top-flight league this season after Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra’s Ivory Coast forward Balo Famusa.
Arambagh coach Maruful Haque was elated with the three points after conceding a defeat in their opening game against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra.
He said, “We couldn’t win the first match. The team played well in the second game, and won. Especially Zahid played really well. I am really happy. I hope we will win in the next match as well.”
RESULT
Arambagh 4 (Zahid 12, 66, 84, Mathew 76) 1 Mohammedan (Rabbi 59)