2017 Walton Federation Cup: Shahran brace takes Rahmatganj into semis

Riding on a brace from Shahran Hawladar, Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society swept into the semi-finals of the Walton Federation Cup 2017 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra in the last quarter-final at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Saturday. Old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj will face Chittagong Abahani Limited in the first semifinal on Friday at the same venue while Dhaka Abahani Limited and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will play each other in the other semi-final on Saturday. Former Feni Soccer Club forward Shahran stole the show, netting one apiece in either half and assisting the other for Ismail Bangoura while Motiur Rahman came off the bench to grab a consolation for the Muktis in injury time. Despite losing a number of key players in the transfer window, 14 to be precise, Rahmatganj continue to prove themselves as the surprise package under the guidance of local coach Kamal Babu, who led the same club to the very top of the Bangladesh Premier League last season following the first phase. Rahmatganj appeared the most dominant side in the quarter-finals in terms of supremacy over the opponent. They kept the Muktis under pressure from the beginning and controlled the game with a series of chances throughout the tie. Shahran gave Rahmatganj the deserved lead in the 33rd minute. Rashedul Islam Shuvo utilised a long cross and fed Shahran with a one touch. Shahran smashed home past Muktijoddha goalkeeper Uttam into the near post. Ismail missed a chance to double the lead three minutes later when the Guinean striker failed to beat the opposition custodian in a one-on-one situation after collecting a through pass from Shuvo. Bangoura squandered another opportunity in a one-on-one scenario with Uttam in injury time as his shot went straight into the onrushing keeper but defender Monir Alam cleared the ball to safety. Muktis defender Tanvir Rana made a headed clearance at the goal-line to deny an Ismail header a minute before the hour mark. Ismail though finally doubled the lead in the 63rd minute. He broke into the right side of the penalty area after collecting a pass from Shahran and fired home past the netminder into the near post. Shahran continued to trouble the opponent defence as he scored his second to extend the lead in the 69th minute with an easy placing shot from three yards into an empty net. Motiur pulled one back for the Muktis in injury time. Racing inside the box, the substitute forward slotted past Rahmatganj keeper Mohammad Razib into the near post.RESULTRahmatganj 3 (Shahran 33, 69, Ismail 63) 1 Muktijoddha (Motiur 90+1)  SEMI-FINALSCtg Abahani v Rahmatganj, Friday, BNSAbahani v Sk Jamal, Saturday, BNSFinal scheduled for Monday at BNS