Gambian midfielder Landing Darboe grabbed a brace as defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club kicked off their Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League 2014-15 season in style, sweeping past promoted side Farashganj Sporting Club 4-1 at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Sheikh Jamal were not at their best in the initial stages as the opening half ended 1-1 but the holders rose to the occasion in the second half on a waterlogged pitch.
Nigerian striker Akinyele Peter scored the top-flight’s opening goal, putting Old Dhaka outfit Farashganj ahead early in the first half. Wedson Anselme soon brought parity before goals from Landing and Mamunul Islam salvaged all three points for the Dhanmondi giants.
As expected, the first half was dominated by Sheikh Jamal but Farashganj took an unexpected lead against the run of play. Peter was felled by Sheikh Jamal defender Kesto Kumar inside the penalty area and the Nigerian made no mistake from the spot in his second attempt after his first shot was ruled out due to encroachment.
The lead, however, did not last long as Wedson equalised at the quarter-hour mark. The Haitian international smashed home past Farashganj goalkeeper Sujan Chowdhury following a lovely Yeamin Ahmed Munna cross.
Following the equaliser, Sheikh Jamal piled more misery on their opponents. Were it not for Sujan, who made three brilliant saves, Sheikh Jamal would have taken the lead in the first half. However, after resumption, Farashganj finally buckled under continuous pressure from the Sheikh Jamal attackers.
It took Sheikh Jamal just three minutes into the second half to take the lead and, subsequently, the control of the game. A brilliant Landing free-kick from 25 yards beat the wall and Sujan before sneaking into the bottom left-corner.
Mamunul made it 3-1 15 minutes from time. Receiving a pass from Wedson, the national captain unleashed a left-footed screamer from 25 yards which gave Sujan no chance. Landing notched his brace and completed the rout in injury time with an easy placing shot.
