An early strike by Wahed Ahmed was enough for traditional crowd-pullers Mohammedan SC to register a crucial 1-0 victory over Sheikh Jamal DC at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. The second consecutive win in the Grameenphone Super Cup also confirmed a semi-final berth for the Black and Whites.
The task of reaching the last four just got harder for the Dhaka powerhouse Jamal as they must win their last group ‘B’ encounter against Team BJMC. A draw or defeat for Jamal will only pave the way for Brothers Union.
Mohammedan launched attacks from the beginning of the game and they scored the all important goal in just the ninth minute. Wahed showed excellent control as he dribbled past the onrushing Jamal goalie to score the decider on an open net.
Wahed appeared as a constant threat for Jamal as his chemistry with Mobarak Hossain baffled the opponent defence several times. The champions of the first edition of the Super Cup continued to dominate and enjoyed most of the first-half possession.
Shakil Ahmed, however, was denied an equaliser in the 13th minute as Mamun Khan pulled out a brilliant diving save. Jamal tried to stage a comeback after the resumption, but luck was not on their side as, fresh on the field, Masud Rana’s powerful header came off the crossbar in the 69th minute.
Result:
Mohammedan 1-0 Sk Jamal
Match Highlights
GOAL! 9’ Mohammedan takes the lead. Wahed run hard from the centre of the box and rounded off the onrushing goalie and followed it up with a calm finish
13’ Shakil’s powerful shot at goal saved brilliantly by Mamun Khan.
38’ Wahed received a long ball from left back Yeasin but failed to send the ball over onrushing goalie Sultan in front of the penalty area
69’ Jamal squanders a golden opportunity. Substitute forward Masud’s strong header on a Sabuj cross came off the crossbar.