Abahani return to winning ways

Landing Darboe netted a brace as holder Dhaka Abahani Limited returned to winning ways after beating Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra 2-0 in the Bangladesh Premier Football League at Bangabandhu National Stadium on Sunday. In the day’s first match at the same venue, in-form striker Towhidul Alam Sabuj continued his outstanding goal-scoring spree as his record fifth straight goal in the league helped Chittagong Abahani earn a comfortable 2-0 win over Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society. It was Chittagong Abahani’s fifth consecutive victory and they are the only club in the league this season who have a 100% winning record. The port city outfit extended their lead to five points at the top of the points table with 15 points from five matches. Meanwhile, the traditional Sky Blues have been unpredictable so far in the league. They beat the top clubs with ease but struggled against weaker sides like Farashganj Sporting Club and Team BJMC. Drago Mamic’s side moved to third place with 10 points from five matches, same as second-placed Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Sheikh Russel remained seventh with only four points. Mamic was forced to make an early substitution with the injured Emeka Darlington making way for Landing in the 26th minute. The Gambian was instrumental for Abahani in the second half, scoring both goals. Rubel Mia was also influential, assisting both the goals. In the 38th minute, defender Waly Faisal tried his luck with a free-kick from five yards away from the right side of the box but Sheikh Russel goalkeeper Ziaur Rahman made a brilliant save to tip the ball away for a corner. Gambian attacker Landing gave the Sky Blues the breakthrough in the 63rd minute from a penalty. Rubel darted into the penalty area and looked dangerous before custodian Ziaur brought the young forward down to concede a penalty. Landing made no mistake hitting the back of the net through the top right side. Landing sealed victory, as well as doubled the lead, by scoring his second of the night four minutes before the end of stipulated time. A Rubel cross from the right side met the unmarked Landing at the top of the six-yard box and the Gambian headed home past Ziaur. In the other match, Sabuj extended his record of scoring goals to enable Chittagong Abahani maintain their winning streak. Sabuj broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, placing home at the near post, following Zahid Hossain’s cross from the right flank. It was Sabuj’s fifth consecutive goal in the league this season, which is a rare record in the country’s 10-year professional league history. No player, either local or foreign, have ever managed to score more than three goals in a row. Zahid got his name into the scoresheet for the first time this season, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from a penalty in the 70th minute, after defender Kazi Shariful Islam conceded a handball while facing Zahid’s low cross from inside the box.RESULTSAbahani 2 (Landing 63 - P, 86) 0 Sheikh RusselCtg Abahani 2 (Sabuj 43, Zahid 72 - P) 0 Rahmatganj