Abahani finish it in style
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
B League champions Abahani Limited finished their campaign in style with a 1-0 win over Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in their last league match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS) in the city Monday, reports UNB.
With this win, the popular "sky blue" Dhanmondi outfit secured 47 points from 20 matches, eight points ahead of runners-up Mohammedan SC (39), which have one match in hand.
On the other hand, Muktijoddha Sangsad finished with 33 points from 20 matches, one point ahead of Sheikh Russell KC who played 19 matches.
Earlier, in the first phase, Abahani Limited and Muktijoddha Sangsad shared points in a goal-less draw in the league opener.
In the day's match, substitute right winger Zahed Parvez scored the all-important goal for Abahani Limited.
After a barren first half, Zahed, who replaced medio Abul Hossain, netted the match-winner in the 73rd minute with a right-footer from the right side of the D-box after Ghanaian forward Awudu Ibrahim's free-kick came his way via a header by skipper Joy (1-0).
In the first half, Abahani Limited were denied a goal in the 30th minute when defender Kazi Nazrul Islam's header off a left flank Uzzal cross returned to play hitting the crosspiece.
The high flying traditional club also came close to scoring in the 42nd minute, but striker Emily's left-footer from just inside the D-box off a Abul back-pass was cleared by an opponent defender.
Again in the 60th minute, Ibrahim ran swiftly through the opponent fort but his close range angular shot was brilliantly saved for corner by opponent goalie Titumir Chowdhury Titu.
Two minutes later, national striker Emily, the highest scorer for Abahani Limited with 12 goals, had a scoring chance but his close range attempt off a substitute Shahazuddin Tipu minus was foiled by custodian Titu.
On the other hand, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, which were unable to break through the compact Abahani defence all throughout the match, had a formidable chance in the 47th minute. But veteran Arman Mia's grounder from outside of the left side of the D-box went just wide.
Yellow cards: Mintu, Ibrahim, Biplob (Abahani Limited), Munna, Maruf (Muktijoddha)
Abahani : Biplob, Prodeep, Joy, Nazrul, Uzzal, Mintu (Wali Faisal), Siraji, Abul (Zahed), Emily, Ibrahim and Abdullah Parvez (Tipu).
Muktijoddha: Titumir, Rajani, Hasan, Titu, Munna, Aziz, Arman, Maruf, Moni (Enamul), Alfaz (Kanchan) and Saif.
Referee: Mansoor Azad
With this win, the popular "sky blue" Dhanmondi outfit secured 47 points from 20 matches, eight points ahead of runners-up Mohammedan SC (39), which have one match in hand.
On the other hand, Muktijoddha Sangsad finished with 33 points from 20 matches, one point ahead of Sheikh Russell KC who played 19 matches.
Earlier, in the first phase, Abahani Limited and Muktijoddha Sangsad shared points in a goal-less draw in the league opener.
In the day's match, substitute right winger Zahed Parvez scored the all-important goal for Abahani Limited.
After a barren first half, Zahed, who replaced medio Abul Hossain, netted the match-winner in the 73rd minute with a right-footer from the right side of the D-box after Ghanaian forward Awudu Ibrahim's free-kick came his way via a header by skipper Joy (1-0).
In the first half, Abahani Limited were denied a goal in the 30th minute when defender Kazi Nazrul Islam's header off a left flank Uzzal cross returned to play hitting the crosspiece.
The high flying traditional club also came close to scoring in the 42nd minute, but striker Emily's left-footer from just inside the D-box off a Abul back-pass was cleared by an opponent defender.
Again in the 60th minute, Ibrahim ran swiftly through the opponent fort but his close range angular shot was brilliantly saved for corner by opponent goalie Titumir Chowdhury Titu.
Two minutes later, national striker Emily, the highest scorer for Abahani Limited with 12 goals, had a scoring chance but his close range attempt off a substitute Shahazuddin Tipu minus was foiled by custodian Titu.
On the other hand, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC, which were unable to break through the compact Abahani defence all throughout the match, had a formidable chance in the 47th minute. But veteran Arman Mia's grounder from outside of the left side of the D-box went just wide.
Yellow cards: Mintu, Ibrahim, Biplob (Abahani Limited), Munna, Maruf (Muktijoddha)
Abahani : Biplob, Prodeep, Joy, Nazrul, Uzzal, Mintu (Wali Faisal), Siraji, Abul (Zahed), Emily, Ibrahim and Abdullah Parvez (Tipu).
Muktijoddha: Titumir, Rajani, Hasan, Titu, Munna, Aziz, Arman, Maruf, Moni (Enamul), Alfaz (Kanchan) and Saif.
Referee: Mansoor Azad