A stunning volley from teenager Rubel Miah ended Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra’s eight-match unbeaten run in the Bangladesh Premier League as the defending champions were handed a 0-1 defeat by a spirited Brothers Union side at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Sheikh Russell last tasted defeat in the previous season when they were beaten by Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited 11 months ago. Since then Russell won seven matches and drew once in the premier league. The last time Brothers had beaten Russell in the premier league was on March 2, 2012.
In their third league game, Russell dropped points for the first time while the points were the first for Brothers this season.
Brothers’ Ghanaian midfielder Issah Yousuf almost capitalised on the shaky start from the last-season treble winners as he went close to scoring in the 20th minute. His shot inside the penalty area however went straight to the Russell goalkeeper Biplob.
Russell’s first real chance was squandered by national forward Mithun Chowdhury right at the half hour stroke when his attempted shot at goal went awfully wide of the target.
The men in blue struggled to find any space to initiate attacks and their frustration was eventually taking a toll on them. Brothers’ Nigerian forward Kester Akon slid the ball into the path of Victori Antoni from the right of the box but Russell defender Rezaul Karim Reza made a brilliant interception to block the effort and keep the game alive.
However, the Oranges were rewarded for their continuous dominance in the 73rd minute when Under-19 forward Rubel put them ahead with a spectacular strike from outside the box. Akon provided the pass on which Rubel unleashed a powerful right-footed volley past Biplob into the top right corner.
Match Highlights
Brothers Union 1-0 Sheikh Russell KC
20” Issah Yousuf loses a great opportunity to put his side ahead. Receiving the ball from Jewel Rana, the Ghanaian shot straight to the goalkeeper Biplob
31” Mithun Chowdhury takes a poor shot which goes wide of the target
57” Youness Roux received a pass from Moroccan midfielder Mohamed Amine inside the danger zone, but his shot goes wide
62” Nigerian forward Kester Akon slid the ball into the path of Victori Antoni from the right of the box but Russell’s Rezaul Karim blocks the effort
GOAL! 73” Brothers forward Rubel Miah’s powerful right-footed volley beats Biplob on top right corner