Jean Jules Ikanga and Ismael Bangoura put on an impressive display as Team BJMC swept into the semi-final of the Walton Federation Cup by beating Sheikh Russell KC 5-4 in a tie-break after a dramatic quarter-final match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The breath-taking victory, that contained plenty of drama including two own goals and a missed penalty, set up BJMC for a semi-final clash with Muktijoddha on December 7.
Sheikh Russell went ahead twice in the game but BJMC’s Cameroonian forward Jean Jules Ikanga contributed in leveling matters and at the end of 90 minutes, the game was tied 2-2. It was the same Ikanga who missed a penalty in the 103rd minute, sending the ball over the bar.
Had it not been for Muktijoddha’s veteran goalkeeper Biplob Vattacharjee, who produced a series of saves in the first 15 minutes of added time, BJMC would have won the game earlier. Biplob also saved BJMC’s fifth penalty taken by Saif but at the end of the match, BJMC had the last laugh when Nigerian Uche Felix coolly converted his chance.
The understanding between the BJMC’s foreign attackers, especially Bangoura and Ikanga, was the key to their domination of the game. BJMC initiated the first real attack in the 19th minute but their defender Saiful Islam Saif’s clearance four minutes later went into his own net to put Russell ahead. Russell forward Mithun headed Shakil Ahmed cross and as Saif tried to clear the ball from the goal mouth, he ended up putting the ball in his own net.
A controversial penalty decision in the 30th minute caused the game to be halted for eight minute before Ikanga equalized from the spot. The TV replay showed Bangoura was brought down by Rajani inside the box.
Both side’s started the second half with more attacking instincts and Tapu headed just over the bar while Eric Roger hit the woodwork from a 35-yard free-kick within three minutes of the second session.
BJMC goalie Ariful brought down French midfielder Roger to give Russell another chance to take the lead. Uruguayan forward Francisco Usucar made no mistake in converting the penalty in the 57th minute.
BJMC leveled the margin again in the 73rd minute. With the goal-mouth crowded, Bangoura’s shot off Samson’s header hit the back of the net after Mohamed Amine’s touch.
Three minutes later Mithun got away from being sent off. Two minutes after receiving his first booking, the national forward stabbed BJMC keeper in a dead ball situation. Referee Mizanur Rahman however, did not card the player.
Biplob produced three brilliant saves within in the first 10 minutes of added time, denying Sajib, Bangoura and Ikanga in turn.
Ismail Bangoura earned another penalty after being pushed down by Fazley Rabbi in the 103rd minute but Ikanga fired the ball over the crossbar.
In the penalty shootout, Roger, Usucar, Amine and Mithun scored for Russell while Samson, Bangoura, Faisal, Ikanga and Felix converted for BJMC. Shakil and Reza missed the penalties that cost Russell the game, while Saif was the only one to miss for BJMC.
Match Highlights
Sheikh Russell 2-2 Team BJMC (4-5)
19” a quick counter attack results in Mahadi Hasan Tapu providomg a through pass to Ismael Bangoura in the box but the Guinean striker shoots straight to the keeper.
GOAL! 22” Shakil Ahmed’s cross from the left flank is met by Mithun Chowdhury at the second bar and the national midfielder’s header falls at the goal mouth where defender Saif accidentally puts the ball into his own net.
GOAL! 38” Jean Jules Ikanga equalizes the margin with a penalty. Ismail Bangoura was brought down inside the penalty by Russell defender Rajani Kanta.
45+” Tapu heads Bangoura’s cross just over the bar.
48” Eric Roger hits the woodwork from a 35-yard free-kick.
GOAL! 59” Roger earns a penalty after being brought down by BJMC goalie Ariful and Francisco Usucar puts Russell ahead from the spot.
GOAL! 73” BJMC restore the parity again after an own goal by Mohamed Amine.
103” Ismail Bangoura earns another penalty after being pushed down by Fazley Rabbi but Ikanga fires it over the crossbar.
