Abahani’s Irani coach Ali Akabar Pourmoslemi slammed Muktijoddha for being too much physical and termed the match against Muktijoddha 'dangerous' after his side's 1-0 win in the Nitol-Tata Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
His counterpart Shafikul Islam Manik, however, admitted that his forwards let him down. Manik also added that Abahani’s negative approach aided by the referee cost Muktijoddha the match.
Ali Akbar said that he had no alternative apart from being defensive. “I had three players injured in the field. As Muktijoddha played a physical game, it was a dangerous game. I was amazed that the referee did not punish the players. This is not good for football,” said Ali Akbar.
Abahani’s Portuguese forward Leonildo Suares also echoed the same. “It felt like we were in a fight. They were always pushing and charging and it hampered the normal game,” said Suares.
Manik, however, did not approve of his counterpart's allegation. “I feel ashamed to see that a team like Abahani plays defensive. Moreover, the referee assisted them as he allowed all the players to get treated inside the field when Abahani players were intentionally wasting the time. According to my stopwatch, only 30 minutes of the stipulated 45 minutes of the first half was played. However, I admit that my two best scorers wasted two easy chances and I don’t have any answer about them,” said Manik.
