Muktijoddha and Mohammedan experienced contrasting fortunes as they began their Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League second phase campaign yesterday at different venues.
Muktijoddha were held to a goalless draw by Feni Soccer Club at Bangabandhu National Stadium while Mohammedan came from behind to defeat hosts Chittagong Abahani 3-1 away at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong.
Yesterday’s results saw Mohammedan rise to second position in the 11-team standings with 23 points, three behind league leaders and defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, while Muktijoddha, with 20 points, dropped to sixth.
Away in Chittagong, Chowmrin Rakhine put the port-city outfit ahead in the 27th minute. The traditional Black and Whites however, came back strong with all three of their goals coming in the second half.
Guinean striker Ismael Bangoura brought parity in the 66th minute before Mintu Sheikh gave Mohammedan the lead 13 minutes later. Towhidul Alam Sabuj extended the lead in the final minute of regulation time. Yesterday’s strike was Bangoura’s 12th in the league this season and the Guinean is comfortably at the top of the list of the highest goal-scorers.
In comparison, the match in Dhaka turned out to be a dull affair as both Muktijoddha and Soccer Club, runners-up in the Independence Cup last season, were unable to create any clear-cut goal-scoring chances.
Meanwhile in the day’s third match at BNS, Brothers Union were held by Team BJMC 2-2 with Augustine Walson grabbing a brace for Brothers. Brothers are now third in the standings with 21 points.
