Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited played out a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra despite taking an early lead in their opening match in Group D of the TVS Federation Cup 2019, at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.
Amir Hakim Bappy scored to take the lead in the third minute, but Muktis skipper Shah Alomgir Anik spoiled the party with the equalizer half-an-hour later.
Mohammedan coach Sean Lane fielded an unusual 3-4-3 formation and Bappy took the lead with the very first attack, heading over the keeper after a long cross from Habibur Rahman Sohag had bounced in front of him at the right side of the box.
The Black and Whites created two more chances in quick succession when Malian striker Soleymane Diabate headed straight to the keeper in the 22nd minute, before Muktis keeper Mahfuz Hasan Pritom tipped away a header from Sohanur Rahman two minutes later.
Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra started their TVS Federation Cup 2019 campaign with a solitary-goal victory over Uttar Baridhara Club in the opening Group D match at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.https://t.co/Smj5Q0yjSO#FOOTBALL #FEDERATIONCUP #CUP #FEDERATION #BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 20, 2019
Midfielder Shah Alomgir Anik leveled the score in the 34th minute, with a fierce strike along the ground from around 30 yards out.
Muktijoddha’s Sumon Ali, who replaced Rohit Sarkar in the second half, unleashed another powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area but the attempt hit the far post.
Most of the Mohammedan and Muktijoddha players from last season left the clubs after the casino crackdown. Muktis coach Abdul Kayum Sentu was content with the result after starting their conditioning camp only 17 days ago.
Sean described the victory as a “fantastic start” for the squad, which has 22 new players.
Starting XI
Mohammedan: Mazharul Islam Himel; Stanley Amadi, Habibur Rahman Sohag, Uryu Nagata; Ugochukwu Moneke, Mohammad Mithu (Mohammad Atikuzzaman), Farad Mona (Rakib Khan Evan), Shamol Bepari; Sohanur Rahman, Amir Hakim Bappy, Soulemane Diabate.
Muktijoddha: Mahfuz Hasan Pritom; Shoeb Mia, Cyirill Oriaku, Mehedi Hasan, Mahamud Hossain; Shah Alomgir Anik, Sujon Biswas (Sarwer Zaman Nipu), Norito Hashigurhi, Paul Emile, Rohit Sarkar (Sumon Ali), Ismail Bangoura.
RESULT
Muktijoddha 1 (Anik 34) 1 Mohammedan (Bappy 3)
