Abahani Limited defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 in their last Walton Federation Cup group match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday, a result which means Mohammedan will meet Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the quarter-finals.
Goals from Brazilian forward Luiz Rumolo De Castro and former Mohammedan player Ghanaian striker Osei Morrison in either half earned Abahani the prestigious victory in front of 7,000 fans. The victory also put Abahani at the top of group D, meaning they will face Soccer Club Feni in the quarter-finals.
Despite forming a stronger squad than last season, Mohammedan could not replicate their performance from their opening game. Abahani’s defence was solid enough to impede Mohammedan attacks with Waly Faisal, whose wife gave a birth to a son on the same day, produced a brilliant display to put off pacey winger Zahid Hossain. A disorganized Mohammedan midfield failed to provide sufficient opportunities for in-form striker Emily who netted a hat-trick in the first game against Rahmatganj.
National midfielder Towhidul Alam was Abahani’s best player in the game. The left winger’s skill, pace and accurate crosses broke Mohammedan defence apart several times and his free kick with just 10 minutes on the clock broke the deadlock. A leaping Castro met Towhidul’s free kick and headed the ball into the near to score his first goal in Bangladesh. The Brazilian was so ecstatic that he slipped in front of the dugout while celebrating.
Mohammedan responded quickly and created two good chances within three minutes. Abahani goalie Sohel produced a stunning save to deny Emily’s first effort before Nigerian forward Chuka Charles failed to capitalize in a one-on-one situation in the 19th minute.
Abahani could have scored one more in the opening half if Abdul Baten Komol’s two efforts from the six yard box had not been wasted.
Both the side was without their main coach and it was Mohammedan whose tactical changes in the second half raised questions to many, one of which was replacing defender Ariful with Mintu Sk. It was Mintu’s failure to clear the ball that led to Mohammedan conceding a second goal. Mintu’s attempted clearance from Towhidul’s minus hit the sidebar and Ghanaian striker Morrison, who played for the Black and Whites last season and was the league’s top scorer, made no mistake in putting the rebound into the net to take his tally of goals to four in two matches.
This was the first time in eight years that the traditional rivals clashed in the group stages. The last time was in 2005 when Abahani demolished Mohammedan 5-1.
Match Highlights
Abahani 2-0 Mohammedan
10” GOAL! Brazilian forward Luiz Rumolo De Castro puts Abahani ahead in the 10th minute, heading in a free kick from Towhidul Alam.
16” Abahani keeper Sohel produces a superb save to deny Emily’s close range shot from a corner.
19” Chuka Charles breaks into the penalty area, following a through ball from Emily but the Nigerian forward’s weak shot is easily tipped away by Sohel.
41” Towhidul delivers another pinpoint cross in the box but Komol heads the ball over the crossbar.
65” A blunder from Mohammedan defence allows Osei Morrison to run towards the goal but the Ghanaian takes too much time, allowing Mintu Sk to clear the ball.
75” GOAL! Morrison doubles the lead for Abahani. Mintu Sk’s clearance off Towhidul’s cross hits the bar, the rebound fall at the feet of Morrison, who calmly fires the ball into the net.
