Brothers Union confirmed their berth in the quarter-final of the Independence Cup after edging Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra 1-0 in the last match of Group B at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Saturday.
The result saw Muktojoddha ruled out of the tournament, having earned only one point, while Farashganj Sporting Club reached the last eight as group champion with four points. Brothers finished second to get their last-eight ticket with three points.
Forward Bishal Das put the Gopibagh outfit ahead in the 20th minute, heading home a corner by midfielder Mithu Bhuiyan. The Brothers defence had a hectic evening to protect the lead, resisting constant attacks from the Muktis in the second half.Muktijoddha went close to grabbing the equaliser in the 70th minute when forward Amirul Islam entered into the left side of the penalty area to take a shot at the near post, only to see his effort fisted away by Brothers goalkeeper Sujon Chowdhury for a corner.
In the 78th minute, Amirul headed inches wide off the post following a precise cross by Isa Faysal from the right flank. Seven minutes later, substitute forward Amzad Ali's lower shot from the edge of the six-yard box managed to beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by Brothers defender Yusuf Ali Khan.
Brothers were then reduced to 10 men in injury time when Bishal received his second yellow card.
Meanwhile, there will be a three-day break in the tournament due to Saif Sporting Club's home tie in the preliminary stage of the AFC Cup 2018, scheduled to be held at BNS Tuesday.RESULTBrothers 1 (Bishal 20) 0 Muktijoddha
Friday, March 28, 2025
