Bashundhara Kings swept into the quarterfinals of the Walton Independence Cup 2018 despite being held to a goalless draw against Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in the lone Group D encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium Wednesday.
Reigning premier league champions Abahani Limited also sealed one of the last-eight spots after Muktijoddha SKC and Brothers Union played out a 1-1 draw in the other match of the day from Group C. Brothers’ Brazilian forward Leonardo Lima’s eighth-minute opener was cancelled out by midfielder Sujon Biswas in the 24th minute.
Abahani beat Muktijoddha 2-1 in the opening match of the group. With three points and only a game left, the Sky Blues are also through to the quarterfinals. Brothers will need only one point against Abahani on Saturday to make it into the last-eight.
After beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi 2-0 in the first game, Bashundhara needed only one point and a tight defensive performance by Sheikh Russel made sure that Daniel Colindres’ side was left out with no goal.
Bashundhara currently top the table with four points whereas Sheikh Russel, who have currently only one point, need one more point to join Bashundhara in the last eight when they face Sheikh Jamal Saturday.
Oscar Bruzon’s side controlled the game and dominated possession to put pressure on the opponents’ defence while Sheikh Russel looked for counter attacks. Colindres was marked tightly while Saiful Bari Titu brought in Ariful Islam in defensive midfield replacing Sohel Rana, who lost his wife and son in a tragic motorcycle accident last week.
Masuk Mia Jony squandered a great chance in the 14th minute as his poor touch following Motin Mia’s cross from the left-flank went inches wide. Russel’s Uzbek midfielder Baktiyar Duishobekov sent the ball wide of the far post after breaking into the right edge of the box in the 28th minute.
Five minutes into the second half, Colindres shot wide off the far post after a fine through of Emon set him up into the left side of the box. In the 67th minute, youngster Biplo Ahmed tried his luck with a grounder from 20 yards out but went wide. Colindres’ powerful strike from the right side of the box was punched away by the keeper ten minutes later.
“We are missing a lot of players due to injury and cards,” Bruzon said after the game. He added, “We didn’t see Bashundhara breaking down on the wings, but we see an improved midfield and defence. For the first time we kept clean sheets in two consecutive matches. I’m happy not to concede any goal, qualify for the next round, and have 90 percent possibility to finish as group champions.”
Saiful Bari Titu said after the game, “We are having some setbacks, especially Sohel Rana’s tragedy. We also missed the service of Alisher (Azizov) as he was injured in the warm-up at the very last moment. Bashundhara is undoubtedly a good team. We have to be content with one point. We have the advantage against Sheikh Jamal where a draw would be enough.”
