Mohammedan Sporting Club held off a late surge from Abahani Limited to clinch a thrilling 3–2 victory in the Dhaka Derby — the historic rivalry between Bangladesh football’s two biggest clubs — at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Stadium in Cumilla on Monday.
Although the gallery had some scattered spectators, it was far from the packed, electric atmosphere the derby once commanded.
Abahani started strongly, dominating possession and pushing forward with intent. But Mohammedan remained compact at the back and stunned their rivals by converting their first real opportunity.
A defensive mistake gifted Rahim Uddin the opening goal in the 20th minute, putting the Black and Whites ahead. Abahani were still trying to regain their composure when Eli Keke doubled Mohammedan’s lead with a powerful header from a corner in the 32nd minute.
The Sky Blues were dealt a further blow when Samuel Boateng scored in the 58th minute, giving Mohammedan a seemingly unassailable 3–0 advantage.
However, Abahani mounted a spirited late comeback. Papon Singh reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, and just five minutes later Sheikh Morsalin struck to make it 3–2, setting up a tense finale.
Despite the pressure, Mohammedan held firm to secure their first win of the league season after three matches.
Abahani, meanwhile, remained winless in their three outings, sitting eighth in the table, just below Mohammedan in seventh.
Elsewhere, Bashundhara Kings moved to the top of the standings with a one-point lead after a 2–0 victory over Arambagh, courtesy of a brace from Dorielton Gomez, who scored in the 75th minute from a penalty and again in the 82nd.
Brothers Union climbed to second place following a 2–0 win over Fakirerpool. Nepalese duo Sanish Shrestha and Arik Bista netted in the 80th and 83rd minutes for the Gopibag side.
In the day’s other fixture, Fortis held third-placed Police FC to a goalless draw.